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Introduction
What is Chattr? Chattr, which stands for “change attribute” is a function in the command line of Linux that has the ability to set or unset certain attributes in the file and its basic purpose is to provide a certain level of security.
Overview
Generally, the outlook of chattr command is as follows:
chattr [OPTIONS] [OPERATOR][ATTRIBUTES] FILE...The symbols below show the options for the value of [OPERATOR]:
- = To have chattr set the setting of certain attributes as only attributes, the equal operator is used.
- + To have chattr perform the addition of certain attributes to already present ones, plus operator is used.
- – For chattr to perform the removal of certain attributes to already present ones, the minus operator is used.
One or more than one flags i.e [ATTRIBUTES] follow [OPERATOR]. These flags can be either removed from or added to the attributes. The following list gives us examples of a few attributes and operators:
- A When a file having the A attribute is accessed, the a time record of the file is non-modifiable. The time also called access time is basically the last time of file opening by some particular command.
- D When a file with the D attribute is changed, the modifications are written synchronously on the disk.
- s When a command deletes a file having the s attribute, the blocks are zeroed, and then they are written back on the disk.
- e When a file has an e attribute then it means that the file is using extents for mapping blocks on the disk.
Examples of how chattr is used
Making the files immutable is one of the most frequent uses of chattr, and this is made possible by the addition of an immutable flag to the file. This eliminates the chance for the deletion or renaming of the files.
File attributes can be viewed with the below command:
$ lsattr todo.txt
the + operator along with the i flag can be added to the already present attributes of a file to make it immutable:
sudo chattr +i todo.txt
The following output represents that only e flag is used:
----i---------e----- todo.txt
Only root has the ability to change the immutable flag thus sudo is used. For the confirmation that attribute’s addition has been successful:
lsattr todo.txt ----i---------e----- todo.txt
For the reversal of the changes and removal of the flags, the minus operator can be used
sudo chattr +i todo.txt
Chattr makes it possible for the addition and removal of various attributes at one time:
sudo chattr +i todo.txt
The above code makes it possible to both command the kernel to avoid tracking of the last time and making the file immutable.
The equal operator can be used to set a particular attribute as the only attribute e.g. :
sudo chattr "=s" todo.txt
In the above example, the equal operator has been used to set the “s” attribute.
What do you use the Chattr command for in your environment? Let us know in the comments section below!
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I enjoy writing technical articles here on LowEndBox to help people get more out of their systems. You can find me on LowEndTalk @raindog308
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