Linux User Management: Troubleshooting Login Issues

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud
Security

Linux User Management: Troubleshooting Login Issues

Managing Linux user accounts and passwords is a routine task for many system administrators. In this lab, students are required to resolve a series of login issues for the users in the `app` group by checking the authentication logs as well as the `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/shadow` files.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

May 19, 2025

Duration

15m

Challenge

List the Users in the app Group, Then Verify the User Configuration in the /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow Files
```
# grep app /etc/group
# grep <GID> /etc/passwd
# grep user* /etc/shadow
```
Challenge

The Double Exclamation Points (!!) in the Password Field of /etc/shadow Indicates That user1 Has Never Had a Password Set, so Set the Password for user1
```
# passwd user1
```
Challenge

The 0 in the 8th Field of the /etc/shadow File for user2 Indicates that Account Has Expired and Needs to Be Unlocked
```
# chage -E -1 user2
```
Challenge

The Configuration for user3 Is Missing from the /etc/shadow File, so Recreate the shadow File with the pwconv Command
```
# pwconv
```

Challenge

Verify That All Users Can Log into the System

# ssh user1@<LabServerIP>
   password:
# exit

# ssh user2@<LabServerIP>
   password:
# exit

# ssh user3@<LabServerIP>
   password:
# exit

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.