Can I run cloud init as a different user than root?

Question

I am trying to run cloud init as a different user than root, because of permissions problem when using git. Is there such a way?

xyproblem.info so the real problem is a permissions thing. You should ask about that problem instead of the problems you have with your chosen solution — erik258
– erik258, Commented Nov 1, 2021 at 14:42
Practically, no. cloud-init expects root privileges for many of the things it tries to do. — falcojr
– falcojr, Commented Nov 1, 2021 at 14:54

Brett Holman · Accepted Answer · 2023-04-11 19:55:27Z

permissions problem when using git

If trying to run a git command in the runcmd module you could use su to select which user to run the command as.

Consider:

root# su <target user> -c "whoami" <target user>

I haven't tested it, but something like this in your cloud-config might work:

runcmd: - [su, myuser, -c, "git clone <repo> <directory>"]

ethicnology · Accepted Answer · 2022-05-03 21:13:09Z

To execute a command with non-root user with cloud init, you can do this:

runcmd: - su -c 'whoami' - myuser

2 Answers 2