SELinux Configuration File (/etc/selinux/config)

SELinux Configuration File (/etc/selinux/config)

The SELinux configuration file (/etc/selinux/config) allows you to configure and manage the basic settings of SELinux on your Linux system. In this tutorial, we will cover the structure and usage of the /etc/selinux/config file, as well as how to modify and apply the changes.

  • Understanding the SELinux configuration file:

The /etc/selinux/config file is a simple text file containing key-value pairs, where each line defines a specific SELinux setting. The main settings you will encounter are:

  • SELINUX: Determines the SELinux mode. Possible values are enforcing, permissive, and disabled. By default, it is usually set to enforcing.
  • SELINUXTYPE: Specifies the SELinux policy type. Common values are targeted, minimum, and mls (Multi-Level Security). The default policy is usually targeted.
  • Modifying the SELinux configuration file:

To modify the /etc/selinux/config file, open it with your preferred text editor using root privileges. For example, using the nano text editor:

sudo nano /etc/selinux/config

Edit the file as required. For example, to change the SELinux mode to permissive, modify the SELINUX line as follows:

SELINUX=permissive

Similarly, to change the policy type to minimum, modify the SELINUXTYPE line:

SELINUXTYPE=minimum

After making your changes, save the file and exit the editor.

  • Applying the changes:

For the changes to take effect, you need to reboot your system:

sudo reboot
  • Verifying the SELinux status:

To verify the current SELinux status and configuration, use the sestatus command:

sestatus

The output will display the current mode, policy type, and other relevant information.

In this tutorial, we have discussed the structure and usage of the /etc/selinux/config file and how to modify and apply the changes. Understanding and properly configuring SELinux is crucial to maintaining a secure and well-managed Linux system.

Examples

  1. How to configure SELinux settings in /etc/selinux/config: Edit the /etc/selinux/config file to configure SELinux settings. Example:

    sudo nano /etc/selinux/config

  2. Customizing SELinux policies with /etc/selinux/config: Customize SELinux policies in the configuration file. Modify the SELINUXTYPE parameter to select a policy. Example:

    SELINUXTYPE=targeted

  3. Editing /etc/selinux/config for system security: Enhance system security by editing /etc/selinux/config. Set the mode to enforcing for strict enforcement.

    SELINUX=enforcing

  4. Enabling and disabling SELinux in the configuration file: Enable or disable SELinux by modifying the SELINUX parameter in /etc/selinux/config.

    SELINUX=disabled

  5. Viewing and modifying SELinux booleans in /etc/selinux/config: SELinux booleans control specific behaviors. View and modify them in the /etc/selinux/config file.

    setsebool -P <boolean_name> <value>

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