1 <samba:parameter name="root directory"
4 advanced="1" developer="1"
5 xmlns:samba="http://www.samba.org/samba/DTD/samba-doc">
6 <synonym>root</synonym>
7 <synonym>root dir</synonym>
9 <para>The server will <command moreinfo="none">chroot()</command> (i.e.
10 Change its root directory) to this directory on startup. This is
11 not strictly necessary for secure operation. Even without it the
12 server will deny access to files not in one of the service entries.
13 It may also check for, and deny access to, soft links to other
14 parts of the filesystem, or attempts to use ".." in file names
15 to access other directories (depending on the setting of the
16 <smbconfoption name="wide smbconfoptions"/> parameter).
19 <para>Adding a <parameter moreinfo="none">root directory</parameter> entry other
20 than "/" adds an extra level of security, but at a price. It
21 absolutely ensures that no access is given to files not in the
22 sub-tree specified in the <parameter moreinfo="none">root directory</parameter>
23 option, <emphasis>including</emphasis> some files needed for
24 complete operation of the server. To maintain full operability
25 of the server you will need to mirror some system files
26 into the <parameter moreinfo="none">root directory</parameter> tree. In particular
27 you will need to mirror <filename moreinfo="none">/etc/passwd</filename> (or a
28 subset of it), and any binaries or configuration files needed for
29 printing (if required). The set of files that must be mirrored is
30 operating system dependent.</para>
33 <value type="default">/</value>
34 <value type="example">/homes/smb</value>