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Asked: 2024-09-25T09:33:13+05:30 In:

How can I locate files in a Linux system based on their permission settings?

I’ve been trying to wrap my head around file permissions in Linux, and it’s been a bit of a puzzle for me lately. So, here’s the deal: I’ve got this Linux system, and I need to do some housekeeping. I want to locate certain files that have specific permission settings, but I feel like I’m in over my head. It’s one thing to know how to check permissions with `ls -l`, but actually finding files based on their permission settings? That’s another realm entirely!

What I’m trying to do is pinpoint all the files that are, say, world-readable but writable only by the owner. Or maybe I’d like to find all the files that are set to be executable by everyone. You know, the ones where the permissions are 755? I’ve heard that you can use `find` for this, but I’m not too sure how to string together the right command.

And honestly, I go down rabbit holes when I start looking up syntax online. I end up reading about a million options and switches, and then I just get confused and overwhelmed. It’s like learning a new language—especially when you’re just trying to figure out a simple task! If I could just get a nudge in the right direction or see a couple of examples, I’m sure it would click.

So, what’s the easiest way to tackle this? Do I have to memorize all this stuff about octal values and the different permission types? Or is there a command that will help me narrow it down without pulling my hair out? I’d really appreciate any tips or tricks you’ve got for efficiently tracking down these files based on their permissions. If you could break it down for me or share a simple command that would get me started, I’d be super grateful. Thanks for any help you can offer!

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    2 Answers



    1. Linux File Permissions Help

      Understanding File Permissions in Linux

      Finding files based on their permissions in Linux can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad!

      Checking Permissions with `ls -l`

      As you mentioned, `ls -l` is great for checking the permissions of files. It shows you a detailed list of files along with their permissions, owner, and more. The first column in the output shows the permission settings, which look something like this:

      drwxr-xr--

      Here’s a breakdown:

      • d means it’s a directory.
      • r means read permission.
      • w means write permission.
      • x means execute permission.

      Using `find` to Locate Files by Permissions

      The `find` command is your best friend for locating files with specific permission settings. You don’t need to memorize everything about octal values, just know how to structure a couple of commands!

      Example: World-readable but writable only by owner

      If you want to find files that are world-readable but writable only by the owner (like permissions 644), you’d use:

      find /path/to/search -type f -perm 644

      Example: Executable by everyone

      If you’re looking for files that are executable by everyone (permissions 755), you’ll use:

      find /path/to/search -type f -perm 755

      Breaking It Down

      In these commands:

      • /path/to/search is where you want to look (you can use / to search the entire system, but it might take a while!).
      • -type f says you’re looking for files (not directories).
      • -perm specifies the permission you’re searching for.

      Final Tips

      Start with those basic `find` commands, and you can tweak them as needed. If you need to check for more complex permission combinations in the future, you can do that as well!

      It might feel overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Just take it slow, and don’t hesitate to run man find to learn more about the options available. Happy searching!



    2. To locate files with specific permission settings in Linux, the `find` command is indeed your best tool. For example, to find all files that are world-readable (having read permission for others) but writable only by the owner, you can use the following command:
      find /path/to/directory -type f -perm 644. Here, 644 in octal represents files where the owner has read and write permissions, while the group and others have only read permissions. If you’re looking for files that are executable by everyone (with permissions set to 755), you would run: find /path/to/directory -type f -perm 755. This command searches through the specified directory and lists all files matching the criteria.

      Understanding octal values may seem daunting at first, but using `find` with the -perm flag simplifies things. You don’t necessarily need to memorize everything about permissions initially; instead, focus on specific tasks. Whenever you need to check or manipulate permissions, refer back to examples that apply directly to your use case. Additionally, if you feel overwhelmed by the command’s options, consider practicing these commands in a safe environment like a virtual machine or a test directory, where you can learn without affecting important files. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable with these commands and syntax.


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