4 Steps to Disable SELinux on CentOS 6.4

Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is a security feature of the Linux kernel that provides a mechanism for supporting access control security policies. While it is a valuable tool for system security, there may be instances where you need to disable it, such as when installing certain software. This guide will walk you through the process of disabling SELinux on CentOS 6.4.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that disabling SELinux should be done with caution. SELinux provides an additional layer of security to your system, and disabling it might expose your system to potential security risks. However, if you’re confident that your system’s security won’t be compromised without SELinux, or if you’re facing issues that require you to disable SELinux, follow the steps outlined below.

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Step 1: Checking the SELinux Status

The first step in this process is to check the status of SELinux. This can be done by running the following command:

[root@centos64 ~]# sestatus

The output of this command will provide you with the current status of SELinux. If SELinux is enabled, you will see something like this:

SELinux status: enabled
SELinuxfs mount: /selinux
Current mode: enforcing
Mode from config file: enforcing
Policy version: 24
Policy from config file: targeted

Step 2: Disabling SELinux Temporarily

If you want to disable SELinux without rebooting your system, you can do so by running the following command:

[root@centos64 ~]# setenforce 0

This command will set the current mode of SELinux to permissive, effectively disabling it until the next system reboot.

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Step 3: Disabling SELinux Permanently

To disable SELinux permanently, you will need to modify the SELinux configuration file. This can be done by running the following command:

[root@centos64 ~]# vi /etc/sysconfig/selinux

In the configuration file, you will need to change the line that reads “SELINUX=enforcing” to “SELINUX=disabled”. The modified section of the file should look like this:

# This file controls the state of SELinux on the system.
# SELINUX= can take one of these three values:
# enforcing - SELinux security policy is enforced.
# permissive - SELinux prints warnings instead of enforcing.
# disabled - No SELinux policy is loaded.
SELINUX=disabled
# SELINUXTYPE= can take one of these two values:
# targeted - Targeted processes are protected,
# mls - Multi Level Security protection.
SELINUXTYPE=targeted

After making these changes, save and close the file.

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Step 4: Rebooting the System

The final step in this process is to reboot your system. Thiscan be done by running the following command:

[root@centos64 ~]# reboot

After your system has rebooted, SELinux should be disabled. You can confirm this by running the sestatus command again. If SELinux has been successfully disabled, the output should indicate that SELinux is not enabled.

Commands Mentioned

  • sestatus – This command is used to view the current status of SELinux.
  • setenforce 0 – This command is used to disable SELinux temporarily without requiring a system reboot.
  • vi /etc/sysconfig/selinux – This command is used to open the SELinux configuration file in a text editor.
  • reboot – This command is used to reboot the system.

FAQs

  1. What is SELinux?

    SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a security feature of the Linux kernel. It provides a mechanism for supporting access control security policies, adding another layer of security to your system.

  2. Why would I want to disable SELinux?

    While SELinux provides additional security, it can sometimes interfere with certain software installations or configurations. In such cases, it may be necessary to disable SELinux.

  3. What is the difference between disabling SELinux temporarily and permanently?

    Disabling SELinux temporarily means it will be re-enabled upon the next system reboot. Disabling it permanently means it will remain disabled even after a system reboot.

  4. How can I check if SELinux has been successfully disabled?

    You can check the status of SELinux by running the `sestatus` command. If SELinux is disabled, the output should indicate that SELinux is not enabled.

  5. What are the potential risks of disabling SELinux?

    Disabling SELinux removes an additional layer of security from your system, potentially making it more vulnerable to security threats. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your system’s security won’tbe compromised without SELinux before deciding to disable it.

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Conclusion

Disabling SELinux on CentOS 6.4 is a straightforward process that can be completed in four simple steps. However, it’s important to remember that SELinux is a valuable security feature, and disabling it should only be done when necessary and with a clear understanding of the potential risks involved.

Whether you’re running a dedicated server, a VPS server, or utilizing cloud hosting or shared hosting, understanding how to manage SELinux can be a valuable skill.

Remember, the key to effective server management is understanding the tools and features at your disposal, and knowing when and how to use them. Always ensure that you’re making informed decisions about your server’s configuration and security settings.

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