Re: Why Ext2/3 needs immutable attribute?

[Kyle Moffett <mrmacman_g4@mac.com>]

On Apr 17, 2005, at 12:12, Xin Zhao wrote:
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> Yes. I know,  with immutable,  even root cannot modify sensitive
> files. What I am curious is if an intruder has root access, he may
> have many ways to turn off the immutable protection and modify files.
> So immutable is designed just to prevent a valid root from making
> silly mistakes?
>
> Xin

But without the proper capability, root _can't_ change the immutable
bit.  Of course, that also applies to DAC checks too.  Personally, I
find the immutable bit most useful at preventing accidents.  I have
several scripts designed specifically to access the same file, and I
want to prevent one of my admins from accidentally editing that file
by hand.  The best way is with a big comment in the file itself and
the immutable bit.

Cheers,
Kyle Moffett

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.12
GCM/CS/IT/U d- s++: a18 C++++>$ UB/L/X/*++++(+)>$ P+++(++++)>$
L++++(+++) E W++(+) N+++(++) o? K? w--- O? M++ V? PS+() PE+(-) Y+
PGP+++ t+(+++) 5 X R? tv-(--) b++++(++) DI+ D+ G e->++++$ h!*()>++$ r  
!y?(-)
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------