How to Log in As the Root Telnet Server

While not a standard option, it is possible to allow Telnet access to a server's root directory.

Telnet is not a very secure means of accessing a server. Generally speaking, servers are not configured to allow Telnet access to the root directory. This is a default security measure pre-configured on most servers including Linux, allowing access to the server using Telnet without compromising server security.

There are some instances when allowing Telnet access to the root directory of a server may become necessary, particularly on test servers that do not contain any sensitive or in production websites and applications.

Instructions

1. Check your server configuration to ensure Telnet services are enabled. If you are unable to access Telnet at all, your server is not configured to allow Telnet access.

2. Located and open the file in the /etc directory called "securetty" if your server is running on a Linux platform.

   Add the following code to the end of the "securetty" file:
   pts/0
   pts/1
   pts/2
   pts/3
   pts/4
   pts/5
   pts/6
   pts/7
   pts/8
   pts/9

   Save and close the "securetty" file.

3. Located and open the file in the /etc/default directory called "login" if your server is running on a Solaris platform.

   Look for the following lines of code in the "login" file and comment them out as shown in the below example:

   # If CONSOLE is set, root can only login on that device.
   # Comment this line out to allow remote login by root.
   #
   # CONSOLE=/dev/console

   Save and close the "login" file.

Tips & Warnings

• If your files are on a managed server, you may need to contact your hosting provider to make these changes.

• Telnet is a very insecure method of access files on a server. Allowing Telnet access to the root folder of the server should never be done on a production server.

References

• The UNIX and Linux Forums: How To Enable TELNET For Root User