semanage

semanage

semanage is a command-line tool used to manage SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) contexts and policies. It provides a way to view, modify, and update the SELinux security context of files, users, and processes on a Linux system.

The main use of semanage is to:

• View and modify SELinux contexts for various resources (files, users, domains)
• Create, modify, and delete SELinux policy modules
• Update SELinux settings for specific file types or user accounts

Some common tasks that can be achieved using semanage include:

• Changing the default file context for a particular type of file (e.g., changing the context for all files in a certain directory)
• Modifying the SELinux context for a specific user or group
• Creating and applying custom SELinux policy modules

Hacks and Tips:

• Use semanage fcontext to view and modify the default file contexts.
• Use semanage user to view and modify SELinux settings for users.
• Use semanage module to create, modify, and delete SELinux policy modules.
• Use semanage -v option with any command to view detailed information about the operation.

Experience Level:

This command is suitable for intermediate to advanced Linux users who have some experience with SELinux or security contexts. Understanding the basics of SELinux and its configuration files (e.g., /etc/selinux/config) is recommended before using semanage.

In particular, this command would be necessary for:

• System administrators who need to manage SELinux contexts for various resources
• Security professionals who want to create custom SELinux policy modules
• Linux users who need to troubleshoot SELinux-related issues

Beginners should start with basic commands like id, ls -Z, and getenforce before moving on to more advanced tools like semanage.