Configuring SELinux

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

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.*

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Nov 04, 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.

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.