A root-kit, is a special tool to get root priviledges on an unix host.
there are root-kits for every unix.
These root-kits are a package of known security holes for a system.
linux rootkit will provide to anyone the means of becoming root on a
linux computer if the system administrator has not applied all and every
patches necessary to fix the known holes.
It has something to do with security, but i can not believe someone will
use this to regain access on its own computer. There are easier ways for
real sysadmins. These tools are officially to help sysadmins to scan
their system for vulnerabilities.
These tools can really help kiddies think they are crackers even when
they don't (cracking the computer is just a matter of launching the
programs).
If some of your users were talking about root-kit then yes you might
worry.
hope this helps
pascal
>
> Maurice,
>
> I beilive it is a way to regain
> your system if you forget the
> root password.
>
> Anything that regains control of your
> system could be considered "something
> to do with system security".
>
> No it is not like Back Orifice, you have
> to be phyiscally at the machine if I recall
> correctly, since it boots from floppy disk.
>
> /usr/sbin/in.telnetd is more like Back Orifice,
> or should I say Back Orifice is like an
> insecurce telnet daemon for win32 machines
>
> Jack
>
>
> Maurice Hendrix wrote:
> >
> > What is the "Linux Root Kit"? I heard people talking about it. All I
> > understand is that it has something to do with system
> security. Is this
> > someting like Back Orifice for Linux?
> >
> > Should I start worrying?
> > --
> > Maurice Hendrix
>
