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Asked: 2024-09-24T06:19:14+05:30 In:

How can I configure my system to allow a specific user to run sudo commands without being prompted for a password?

I’ve been wrestling with a bit of a dilemma on my system lately, and I could really use some help. So here’s the situation: I have a specific user account that I want to grant permission to for running `sudo` commands without having to enter a password every single time. It’s not that I don’t trust this user; in fact, it’s my trusty buddy who’s been venturing into the depths of system administration with me. We’re both fairly new to the Linux world, and it feels a bit excessive to keep entering the password for routine tasks.

I’ve tried a few variations of what I found online, but nothing seems to stick. It feels a bit daunting to mess around with the `sudoers` file. I’m worried about breaking something critical or, even worse, giving too much freedom and inadvertently opening a security can of worms.

So, I guess I’m looking for a straightforward way to set this up without diving too deep into the complicated command line stuff or creating a mess that I can’t undo. If someone could walk me through the steps or at least point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it. Have you done this before?

Also, if you have any pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid, that would be super helpful. I mean, I get how powerful `sudo` can be, and I definitely don’t want to expose myself to unnecessary risks or accidents.

If it matters, we’re running Ubuntu, and I think my buddy might be doing some frequent installations and adjustments, hence the request. I really want to make things smoother for him while keeping everything secure on my end. It feels like there’s gotta be a balance here, right?

Thanks for any advice or guidance you might have! Every little bit helps as we navigate this learning curve together.

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    2 Answers

    1. To allow your buddy to run `sudo` commands without a password on Ubuntu, you’ll need to modify the /etc/sudoers file. First, it’s important to open this file with caution. You can do this by using the command sudo visudo, which will open the file in a safe manner and help you avoid syntax errors that could lock you out of sudo access. Once inside the file, you can add a line to grant passwordless sudo access to a specific user. The line should look like this:

      your_username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

      Replace your_username with the actual username of your buddy. This configuration allows that user to execute any command via sudo without having to enter a password. After you finish editing, save the file and exit. Make sure to be extremely careful with this setting, as it grants extensive privileges. As a precaution, it’s wise to limit the commands if possible, using an entry like:

      your_username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /path/to/specific/command

      Common pitfalls to avoid include mistakenly locking yourself out by misconfiguring the sudoers file. Always use visudo instead of a regular text editor to prevent syntax issues. Also, ensure you only grant passwordless access to trusted users to maintain security.



    2. Sudo without Password

      Granting Sudo Permissions Without a Password on Ubuntu

      It sounds like you’re on quite the adventure learning Linux! Setting up your buddy to use `sudo` without a password isn’t as scary as it seems, but you’re right to be cautious. Here’s a simple guide to help you do this safely:

      Steps to Allow Passwordless Sudo

      1. Open a terminal. You can find it in your apps or press Ctrl + Alt + T.
      2. Before you edit the `sudoers` file, it’s a good idea to create a backup. You can do this by running: 
        sudo cp /etc/sudoers /etc/sudoers.bak
      3. Next, you’ll need to edit the `sudoers` file. Use the command: 
        sudo visudo

        This command opens the file safely and checks for errors before saving.

      4. Find the line that says: 
        # User privilege specification

        Below that, you’ll add your buddy’s username. It should look something like this:

        username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

        Replace username with the actual username. This lets that user run any command with `sudo` without a password.

      5. After making the change, save and exit. If you’re using `nano`, it’s Ctrl + X, then Y to confirm saving.

      Common Pitfalls to Avoid

      • Make sure you do not remove any existing lines in the `sudoers` file unless you know what you’re doing. It’s super critical!
      • Always use visudo to edit because it will warn you about syntax errors which can break `sudo` functionality if not handled correctly.
      • Be cautious about granting too much freedom. You might want to limit `NOPASSWD` to specific commands rather than using `ALL`, especially on a shared system.

      Once you’ve done this, your buddy should be able to run commands like:

      sudo apt install package-name

      without being asked for a password. This should make life a little easier for both of you!

      As always, keep learning and experimenting. It’s totally okay to make mistakes along the way—just make sure to have that backup, and you’ll be alright!


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