Author

Topic: Security advantage to run Bitcoin daemon as something else other than root (Read 1705 times)

legendary
Activity: 1596
Merit: 1012
Democracy is vulnerable to a 51% attack.
I'm not talking about the simplicity of creating another user on the system. I just don't see a reason not to host the daemon on root because I don't see any reason to do so.
If the daemon runs as root, someone who compromises the daemon can also load a kernel module to hide his tracks, modify system log files, and so on. I admit, it's a small issue, since if he can steal your wallet, the rest doesn't much matter.
member
Activity: 70
Merit: 10
the light over this:
root is a administrative user, and should not be used, unless the powers of being root is necessary.

it is really very simple to make another user:
Code:
adduser 

but in this case a cant see why you cant use root. but don't do it anyway

I'm not talking about the simplicity of creating another user on the system. I just don't see a reason not to host the daemon on root because I don't see any reason to do so.

But I don't believe the Bitcoin daemon needs any administrative powers, so I'll go ahead and make an account for it.

Thanks
qwk
donator
Activity: 3542
Merit: 3413
Shitcoin Minimalist
I just wanted to know if there were any security advantages to run the daemon as another user other than root. Since the daemon will be the only thing running on the system, I don't see why not?

Return question: where is the advantage in running it as root? I don't see why?

Generally, it is always a good idea to run services with the minimal privileges required. Just good, common practice.
legendary
Activity: 1050
Merit: 1000
You are WRONG!
the light over this:
root is a administrative user, and should not be used, unless the powers of being root is necessary.

it is really very simple to make another user:
Code:
adduser 

but in this case a cant see why you cant use root. but don't do it anyway
member
Activity: 70
Merit: 10
I'm setting up an sever dedicated for the Bitcoin daemon to start storing my Bitcoins. I just wanted to know if there were any security advantages to run the daemon as another user other than root. Since the daemon will be the only thing running on the system, I don't see why not?

The only way anybody will be connecting to the server is via an internal IP through json-rpc api calls.

Thanks
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