Logrotate Failed /sqlnet.log Failed: Permission Denied Selinux

Logrotate Failed /sqlnet.log: Permission Denied (SELinux) - A Comprehensive Guide

This article addresses the common error "logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: permission denied" often encountered when managing log files, particularly in Linux environments with SELinux enabled. This frustrating issue arises because the SELinux security module prevents the logrotate process from accessing and rotating the /sqlnet.log file. We'll explore troubleshooting steps and solutions to resolve this problem effectively.

Understanding the Error

The error message clearly indicates a permission issue. logrotate lacks the necessary permissions to modify or delete the /sqlnet.log file, a crucial aspect of log management. This is often due to SELinux's strict access control policies, designed to enhance system security by restricting processes' access to sensitive resources. While this is a security feature, it can hinder routine log rotation tasks.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Here's a step-by-step approach to resolving the "logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: permission denied" error:

1. Verify SELinux Status

First, confirm that SELinux is indeed enabled:

getenforce

If the output is Enforcing, SELinux is active and likely causing the problem. If it's Permissive, SELinux is in a mode where it logs violations but doesn't block them; this is less common in this scenario. If it's Disabled, then the problem lies elsewhere and this guide might not be directly applicable.

2. Temporarily Disable SELinux (For Testing Purposes Only)

Caution: Disabling SELinux is not a recommended long-term solution. This step is solely for diagnostic purposes to confirm SELinux is the root cause.

To temporarily disable SELinux, use the following command:

setenforce 0

Now, try running logrotate again. If the error disappears, it confirms SELinux is the culprit. Remember to re-enable SELinux afterward using setenforce 1.

3. Identify the SELinux Context

Determine the SELinux context associated with the /sqlnet.log file:

ls -Z /sqlnet.log

This command shows the security context, typically formatted as user:role:type. This information is crucial for the next step.

4. Grant Necessary Permissions using semanage

The most secure and recommended approach is to use semanage to modify the SELinux policy. This involves granting the logrotate process the necessary permissions to access the /sqlnet.log file. You'll need to adapt the command to match the context you obtained in the previous step. Let's assume the context is system_u:system_r:log_t:s0. The command would be:

semanage fcontext -a -t log_t "/var/log/sqlnet.log"

Replace /var/log/sqlnet.log with the actual path to your /sqlnet.log file if it's different. This command adds the file to the log_t type, allowing logrotate to access it.

5. Restorecon

After modifying the SELinux context, you need to restore the security context of the file:

restorecon -Rv /var/log/sqlnet.log

This ensures the changes are applied correctly.

6. Re-run Logrotate and Verify

Run logrotate again to check if the problem is resolved:

logrotate /etc/logrotate.conf

You should now see successful log rotation without the "permission denied" error.

7. Permanent Solution: Update /etc/logrotate.conf

For a permanent solution, modify your /etc/logrotate.d/your_logrotate_config file (where your_logrotate_config is the name of the relevant configuration file for your log) to include the -u root:root (or the appropriate user and group) option. This explicitly sets the ownership of the file before rotation, mitigating the potential SELinux conflict.

For Example:

/var/log/sqlnet.log {
    daily
    rotate 7
    copytruncate
    missingok
    notifempty
    compress
    delaycompress
    # Add this line:
    user root root
}

By following these steps, you can effectively resolve the "logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: permission denied" error while maintaining a secure SELinux environment. Remember to always prioritize security best practices and carefully review any SELinux modifications.