How To Check SELinux Status on CentOS 5.8

SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a feature within the Linux operating system that supports the implementation of access control security policies in the Linux kernel.

This tutorial will guide you on how to determine the status of SELinux on a CentOS 5.8 server. There are two primary methods for checking the status of SELinux: using the ‘sestatus’ command and checking the configuration file.

Method 1: Using the ‘sestatus’ Command

The ‘sestatus’ command is a straightforward way to view the status of SELinux. When you run this command, it will immediately display the SELinux status. Here’s how to do it:

[root@centos58 ~]# sestatus

The output will look something like this:

SELinux status: enabled
SELinuxfs mount: /selinux
Current mode: enforcing
Mode from config file: enforcing
Policy version: 21
Policy from config file: targeted

This output indicates that SELinux is enabled and currently enforcing its security policies.

Method 2: Checking the Configuration File

Another way to determine the status of SELinux is by viewing the “/etc/selinux/config” configuration file. Here’s how to do it:

[root@centos58 ~]# cat /etc/selinux/config

The configuration file will look something 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=enforcing
# SELINUXTYPE= can take one of these two values:
# targeted - Only targeted network daemons are protected.
# strict - Full SELinux protection.
# mls - Multi Level Security protection.
SELINUXTYPE=targeted
# SETLOCALDEFS= Check local definition changes
SETLOCALDEFS=0

In this configuration file, “SELINUX=enforcing” means that SELinux is enabled and enforcing its security policies.

Commands Mentioned

• sestatus – Displays the current status of SELinux
• cat /etc/selinux/config – Displays the SELinux configuration file

Conclusion

Understanding the status of SELinux on your CentOS 5.8 server is crucial for maintaining the security of your system. By using the ‘sestatus’ command or checking the configuration file, you can easily determine whether SELinux is enabled and enforcing its security policies.

Always remember, the security of your server is paramount, and tools like SELinux are there to help you maintain it.

FAQ

1. What is SELinux?

   SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a feature within the Linux operating system that supports the implementation of access control security policies in the Linux kernel.

2. How can I check the status of SELinux?

   You can check the status of SELinux by using the ‘sestatus’ command or by viewing the “/etc/selinux/config” configuration file.

3. What does the ‘sestatus’ command do?

   The ‘sestatus’ command displays the current status of SELinux, including whether it is enabled or disabled and the current mode of operation.

4. What information can I find in the SELinux configuration file?

   The SELinux configuration file contains information about the current state of SELinux, including whether it is enforcing, permissive, or disabled. It also shows the type of SELinux policy in use.

5. What does ‘SELINUX=enforcing’ mean in the configuration file?

   ‘SELINUX=enforcing’ in the configuration file means that SELinux is enabled and actively enforcing its security policies.