How to reset the root user password on an SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) hardware appliance in RSA Identity Governance & Lifecycle

[#1]

Article Number

000031358

Applies To

RSA Product Set: RSA Identity Governance & Lifecycle
RSA Product/Service Type: Hardware Appliance
RSA Version/Condition: 6.x, 7.x
O/S Version: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 11 SP2 / SP3
 

Issue

This RSA Knowledge Base Article provides steps for resetting the root user password on an RSA Identity Governance & Lifecycle SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) hardware appliance.
 

Resolution

You must have console access or be able to remotely emulate console (DRAC / KVM) to utilize this solution. You must have access to the true console to the system. Not just an ssh or non graphical terminal.  Remote console access through a remote lights out such as DRAC would be sufficient or a network KVM.

1. After powering on the system, you will see the graphical SUSE Linux selection screen that lets you choose between Standard, Failsafe, and Floppy boot. As soon as you are presented with this menu, press the down arrow key to stop the countdown, then press the up arrow key to have the top choice highlighted.
2. With the top selection highlighted, type init=/bin/sh which will be appended to the Boot Options line near the bottom of the screen. An example of how this will look is shown below. Note the contents of the Boot Options line has init=/bin/sh appended.

Image description

3. Now press enter to boot the Operating System.
4. Once you are given a shell prompt, execute the following commands:

lvm vgscan -v
mount /dev/system/root /mnt
mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
chroot /mnt
passwd root

5. You will be prompted to set a password for root and to confirm the password after which, run these additional commands.

sync
exit
reboot

Your root password is now set to the value you provided at the prompt.  Here is a screenshot of the procedure having been performed using the above commands:
 

Image description