PostgreSQL postgres user password

[postwick]

I've always done "su postgres" when logged in as root, so I never get asked for a password. Today I did it as a different user, so it asked me for a password. I tried all my usual passwords and nothing worked. I looked in pg_shadow and the passwd column is blank for the postgres user - does that mean the password is blank or does it "hide" the postgres user's password?

If it is truly blank - this is an obvious major security hole. If I change the password will it foul anything up or cause PostgreSQL not to run properly?

-- Paul

 

[Leland123]

Hi postwick,

Postgres maintain its own security system complete with postgres username/password. This is separate from the Linux user/password system. You should log in as postgres or "su to postgres" and then set up a new user/password. You can look at the postgres doc to see the exact syntax and parameters that can be used.

I use two programs that provide database administration of a postgres database server. On my windows box I use pgadmin II. On the Linux box itself I use phpPgAdmin. Both of these tools make setting up a new user easy.

You should also edit the /var/lib/pgsql/data/pg_hba.conf file to setup your security setting. It is a text file and has a lot of example that can be commented out and used.


Leland F. Jackson, CPA
Software - Master (TM)

https://www.smvfp.com

Nothing Runs Like the Fox