Root Shell
Root shell is a command line interface that runs through the root account, the user with the highest level of authorization on a system. Root shell provides unrestricted access to all files, commands and configuration settings of the system. When a user accesses the root shell, they gain full control of the system and can perform operations such as file management, network configurations, software installation/uninstallation and changing security settings. Achieving this level of authorization is especially important for malicious attackers because once root access is obtained, any operation on the system can be performed.
How to Use Root Shell
- Access to the root shell is usually granted only to system administrators. On a Unix or Linux system, the following methods can be used to access the root shell:
- Direct login with the root account: If a user has the password of the root user, he/she can access the root shell by logging in directly to the root account.
- Root privileges with sudo command: A user can temporarily access root privileges by using the sudo command from an authorized account. This command allows a normal user to perform root privileges only on certain commands.
Obtaining root shell privileges (Privilege Escalation): By exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, attackers can gain root shell access. These vulnerabilities are usually caused by software bugs or security holes. Attackers can use these vulnerabilities to gain root privileges
