How can I retrieve a lost root password?

alsnanr · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

I have changed the root password for my Dreambox DM500 and now I forgot it. How can I retrieve the password without destroying the data in the box? I am using flashimage 2.6.9.

Penk · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Look in the /var/etc/shadow or /var/etc/passwd file and use a password cracker do retrieve it, or just type in a new hash for a password you know. For this to work you need to have defined another user that can log onto telnet/ftp or you must already be connected.

-Penk

MrBandwidth · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

hahahahaha Penk! Good one! Just tell him now how to get there without the password if he hasn't defined another user

Penk · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Consider this, If you easily could, then what would be the point of having a password ?

-Penk

MrBandwidth · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Consider this too: why talking about something that's not possible anyways?
Wanted to get your number of posts up?

Penk · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Sure, I am working my postcount as hard as I can. With this one I am up to 32, and that only since January 2004. If I work hard I can get up to a average of 2 pr month

On the serious side, he asked, I answered the only possible way I knew. If you know any better way, please share, if not, why are YOU in this thread ?

-Penk the spammer

MrBandwidth · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Well.... he asked what time it is but you answered that the sun is shining! Makes sense ehh?

I am here for my post count as you can see from the 1370

MartiniB · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

just guesing:
reflashing via serial + erase can't help in this situation???

<-edit->
sorry, didn't read succesfuly ("without destroying the data in the box")

<-edit->

disisdavo · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

does the image your using allow Internet Image Updates like Hydra used to?

could you maybe update or downgrade to a different image not flash erasing???

there are plugins out there where you can get packages to install to view the contents of your config files like newcamd.conf & any files. rite the info down and then reflash via serial or root.cramfs methods.

davo

MrBandwidth · #10 (**permalink**) 07-25-2005

Dave... the passwd file sit's in /var/etc
Downgrading or upgrading or anything else wouldn't help then until /var is rewritten what at the same time means all his settings are lost!