Configuring SELinux

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Configuring SELinux

In this lab we will edit SELinux settings, using booleans to allow communications between services. Then we will place SELinux into *enforcing* mode and ensure that setting is persistent. *This course is not approved or sponsored by Red Hat.*

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Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Sep 23, 2025

Duration

30m

Challenge

Permit `httpd` to Communicate with Zabbix

Find the necessary boolean to permit httpd to communicate with Zabbix.

[root@host]# getsebool -a | grep zabbix

- We'll see the boolean is *off*

Set the boolean to "on"

[root@host]# setsebool -P httpd_can_connect_zabbix on

Verify that change took effect

[root@host]# getsebool -a | grep zabbix

- Now we'll see that the boolean is *on*.

Challenge

Put SELinux into *enforcing* Mode and Ensure That the Setting Is Persistent
1. Check the SELinux state
```
[root@host]# getenforce
```
This will show that it is in permissive mode, so we need to change it to enforcing mode.
1. Put SELinux into enforcing mode
```
[root@host]# setenforce 1
```
1. Check to make sure SELinux is now in enforcing mode
```
[root@host]# getenforce
```
We can see our change worked and SELinux is now in enforcing mode.
1. Ensure SELinux boots into enforcing mode
  
  Edit the SELinux configuration file:
  
  [root@host]# vi /etc/selinux/config
  
  Type i to enter Insert mode, arrow down to the SELINUX line, and set it to enforcing:
  
  SELINUX=enforcing
  
  Type Esc, then :wq to exit. When the server boots again, SELinux will remain in enforcing mode.

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