logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: permission denied selinux oracle logs

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28-03-2025

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Log rotation is crucial for maintaining system health and managing disk space. However, encountering errors like "logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: Permission denied" when working with Oracle databases, especially concerning SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux), can be frustrating. This article will guide you through troubleshooting and resolving this specific issue, focusing on SELinux's role in denying access to Oracle log files.

Understanding the Problem

The error "logrotate failed /sqlnet.log failed: Permission denied" typically indicates that the logrotate process lacks the necessary permissions to access and rotate the /sqlnet.log file. In environments using SELinux, this permission issue is often rooted in SELinux's security policies. SELinux, designed to enhance system security, restricts access to files and processes based on its defined contexts. If the context of the logrotate process and the /sqlnet.log file are mismatched, permission denial occurs.

Identifying the SELinux Context

Before proceeding with any fixes, it's vital to identify the SELinux contexts involved:

1. Check the context of /sqlnet.log: Use the ls -Z /path/to/sqlnet.log command (replace /path/to/ with the actual path). This will display the SELinux context, usually in the format user:role:type.

2. Check the context of the logrotate process: This is slightly more complex. You'll need to find the process ID (PID) of logrotate. You can usually do this with ps aux | grep logrotate. Once you have the PID, use ls -l /proc/[PID]/exe to determine the file's SELinux context.

Resolving the Permission Issue

There are several ways to address the permission denied error, each with varying levels of security implications. Choose the method that best suits your security requirements and understanding of SELinux.

1. Temporarily Disabling SELinux (Not Recommended)

This is the simplest, but least secure, approach. It is strongly discouraged for production environments.

sudo setenforce 0

This command temporarily disables SELinux. Remember to re-enable it afterward using sudo setenforce 1. This doesn't solve the underlying problem; it merely bypasses SELinux's security.

2. Using setsebool (Recommended Approach)

This approach is more secure as it modifies SELinux's boolean settings without completely disabling SELinux. It allows specific exceptions to the default security policy.

First, determine the required boolean. Commonly, you might need to allow the logrotate process to write to files owned by the Oracle user. The specific boolean may vary; it might be allow_logrotate_write for instance (check your specific Oracle setup).

sudo setsebool -P allow_logrotate_write=1

The -P flag makes the change permanent. This will require a reboot or restarting the logrotate service for the changes to take effect.

3. Modifying SELinux Contexts (Advanced and Risky)

This is the most involved and least recommended method unless you fully understand the implications for your system's security. Incorrectly altering contexts can compromise your system's security.

This typically involves relabeling the /sqlnet.log file or the logrotate executable to have compatible SELinux contexts. Use extreme caution and consider consulting SELinux documentation before attempting this. Use tools like chcon to alter contexts.

Post-Resolution Verification

After implementing any of the above solutions, verify that logrotate is functioning correctly:

1. Run logrotate -d /etc/logrotate.conf (or the specific configuration file for your Oracle logs) to test log rotation in debug mode.
2. Check the /var/log/messages or equivalent system log for any further errors related to log rotation.
3. Monitor /sqlnet.log to confirm that it's being rotated as expected.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent similar issues in the future, ensure your SELinux policies are correctly configured to allow the logrotate process access to the necessary Oracle log files. Properly configuring your Oracle installation with SELinux considerations from the outset is the most effective preventative measure. Consult Oracle's documentation and relevant security guidelines for best practices.

Remember that adjusting SELinux settings requires careful consideration of security implications. If unsure, seek assistance from a system administrator or security expert. Always back up your system before making any significant changes to SELinux settings.