I’m trying to update my grub boot order back to booting the first option instead of the second, so I run sudo nano /etc/default/grub, but it brings up this, which is not the file I want to edit.

  • Throwaway1234@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    8 months ago

    so I run sudo nano /etc/default/grub

    For improved security during file edits that require root access, it’s highly advised to use sudoedit (or sudo -e). This method is considered the standard practice to avoid the security pitfalls associated with directly invoking editors with sudo. To ensure the use of nano with sudoedit, simply set the VISUAL environment variable with export VISUAL=nano before running sudoedit . Alternatively, for a one-off command: VISUAL=nano sudoedit .

    Please note that while sudoedit is a safer starting point, it’s not the only method available. Alternatives such as doas, doasedit, or leveraging polkit with pkexec can offer even more controlled and secure ways to manage file editing with elevated privileges. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to stick with sudoedit, as it’s a commonly trusted tool.

    Be aware that direct usage of sudo nano or other editors is strongly discouraged. It bypasses important security mechanisms and can lead to inadvertent system-wide risks.

    • Pantherina@feddit.de
      0·
      8 months ago

      Never heard of sudoedit. I want to experiment with a system where I alias sudo=pkexec, VanillaOS does that

      • Throwaway1234@sh.itjust.works
        0·
        8 months ago

        I agree with the general sentiment. Thank you for mentioning that!

        Though, the use of sudo nano might still pose a risk if any software found on the system is either vulnerable/exploitable, not trusted, or simply exploitative. In that case, like what’s achieved through sandboxing i.e. not allow the software to go beyond their intended scope, it makes sense to put a limit on the capabilities of the software. And to that effect, the use of sudoedit still offers merit over sudo nano.

        Though, if the user doesn’t (already) rely on bubblejail, firejail, Flatpak etc for what they offer in sandboxing. And/or if said user simply doesn’t care for the principle of least privilege, then the use of sudo nano is perfectly valid.