Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
SELinux System Administration
SELinux System Administration

SELinux System Administration: Effectively secure your Linux systems with SELinux , Second Edition

eBook
$9.99 $45.99
Paperback
$65.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

SELinux System Administration

Chapter 2. Understanding SELinux Decisions and Logging

Once SELinux is enabled on a system, it starts its access control functionality, as described in the previous chapter. This however might have some unknown side effects, so in this chapter, we will:

  • Switch between SELinux in full-enforcement mode (resembling a host-based intrusion prevention system) versus its permissive, logging-only mode (resembling a host-based intrusion detection system)
  • Use various methods to toggle the SELinux state (enabled or disabled, permissive or enforcing)
  • Disable SELinux's enforcement for a single domain rather than the entire system
  • Learn to interpret the SELinux log events that describe which activities SELinux has prevented

We will finish with an overview of common methods for analyzing these logging events in day-to-day operations.

Switching SELinux on and off

This is perhaps a weird section to begin with, but disabling SELinux is a commonly requested activity. Some vendors do not support their application running on a platform that has SELinux enabled. System administrators are generally reluctant to use security controls they do not understand or find too complex to maintain. Luckily, this number is diminishing, and SELinux is also capable of selectively disabling its access controls for a part of the system rather than requiring us to completely disable it.

Setting the global SELinux state

SELinux supports three major states that it can be in: disabled, permissive, and enforcing. These states are set in the /etc/selinux/config file, through the SELINUX variable. Take a look at the current setting:

$ grep ^SELINUX= /etc/selinux/config
SELINUX=enforcing

When the system init process loads the SELinux policy, the SELinux code checks the state that the administrator has configured. The states are described as follows:

  • If...

SELinux logging and auditing

SELinux developers are well aware that a security-oriented subsystem such as SELinux can only succeed if it is capable of enhanced logging and even debugging. Every action that SELinux takes, as part of the LSM hooks that it implements, should be auditable. Denials (actions that SELinux prevents) should always be logged so that administrators can take due action. SELinux tuning and changes, such as loading new policies or altering SELinux booleans, should always result in an audit message being displayed.

Following audit events

By default, SELinux will send its messages to the Linux audit subsystem (assuming the Linux kernel is configured with the audit subsystem enabled through the CONFIG_AUDIT kernel configuration). There, the messages are picked up by the Linux audit daemon (auditd) and logged in the /var/log/audit/audit.log file. Additional handling rules can be defined through the audit dispatcher process (audisp), which picks up audit events and dispatches...

Getting help with denials

On some distributions, additional support tools are available that help us identify the cause of a denial. These tools have some knowledge of the common mistakes (for instance, setting the right context on application files in order for the web server to be able to read them). Other distributions require us to use our experience to make proper decisions, supporting us through the distribution mailing lists, bug tracking sites, and other cooperation locations, for example, IRC.

Troubleshooting with setroubleshoot

In Fedora and RHEL, additional tools are present that help us troubleshoot denials. The tools work together to catch a denial, look for a plausible solution, and inform the administrator about the denial and its suggested resolutions.

When used on a graphical workstation, denials can even result in popups that ask the administrator to review them immediately. Install the setroubleshoot package to get this support. On servers without a graphical environment...

Summary

In this chapter, we saw how to enable and disable SELinux both on a complete system level as well as a per-service level using various methods: kernel boot options, SELinux configuration file, or plain commands. One of the commands is semanage permissive, which can disable SELinux protections for a single service.

Next, we saw where SELinux logs its events and how to interpret them, which is one of the most important capabilities of an administrator dealing with SELinux. To assist us with this interpretation, there are tools such as setroubleshoot, sealert, and audit2why. We also dived into several utilities related to Linux auditing to help us sift through various events.

In the next chapter, we will look at the first administrative task on SELinux systems: managing user accounts, their associated SELinux roles, and security clearances for the resources on the system.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • Leverage SELinux to improve the secure state of your Linux system
  • A clear approach to adopting SELinux within your organization
  • Essential skills and techniques to help further your system administration career

Description

Do you have the crucial job of protecting your private and company systems from malicious attacks and undefined application behavior? Are you looking to secure your Linux systems with improved access controls? Look no further, intrepid administrator! This book will show you how to enhance your system’s secure state across Linux distributions, helping you keep application vulnerabilities at bay. This book covers the core SELinux concepts and shows you how to leverage SELinux to improve the protection measures of a Linux system. You will learn the SELinux fundamentals and all of SELinux’s configuration handles including conditional policies, constraints, policy types, and audit capabilities. These topics are paired with genuine examples of situations and issues you may come across as an administrator. In addition, you will learn how to further harden the virtualization offering of both libvirt (sVirt) and Docker through SELinux. By the end of the book you will know how SELinux works and how you can tune it to meet your needs.

Who is this book for?

This book is for Linux administrators who want to control the secure state of their systems. It’s packed with the latest information on SELinux operations and administrative procedures so you’ll be able to further harden your system through mandatory access control (MAC) – a security strategy that has been shaping Linux security for years.

What you will learn

  • Analyze SELinux events and selectively enable or disable SELinux enforcement
  • Manage Linux users and associate them with the right role and permission set
  • Secure network communications through SELinux access controls
  • Tune the full service flexibility by dynamically assigning resource labels
  • Handle SELinux access patterns enforced through the system
  • Query the SELinux policy in depth
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to United States

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Free $6.95

Premium delivery 6 - 9 business days

$21.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Dec 16, 2016
Length: 300 pages
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787126954
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to United States

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Free $6.95

Premium delivery 6 - 9 business days

$21.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : Dec 16, 2016
Length: 300 pages
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787126954
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 214.97
Linux: Powerful Server Administration
$99.99
SELinux System Administration
$65.99
SELinux Cookbook
$48.99
Total $ 214.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

10 Chapters
1. Fundamental SELinux Concepts Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Understanding SELinux Decisions and Logging Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Managing User Logins Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Process Domains and File-Level Access Controls Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Controlling Network Communications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. sVirt and Docker Support Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. D-Bus and systemd Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Working with SELinux Policies Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Analyzing Policy Behavior Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. SELinux Use Cases Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(3 Ratings)
5 star 33.3%
4 star 33.3%
3 star 33.3%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Roscoe Aug 11, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Fantastic !!!!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Martin Biermann Jan 08, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Good primer on SELinux. It taught me the basics to get my Moodle server running.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Toyman May 11, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
It's a bit heavy on repetition like many similar manuals which is fine if you're looking up just one thing -- it gives you a complete picture for that one thing. If you're reading it cover to cover, it gets tedious.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela