Only root can login

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9

Situation

When a user attempts to login, they get an error message “Login Incorrect” as soon as they type their username. The user is not given the chance to type their password. The root user is the only user that can login.

Resolution

Remove the /etc/nologin file.
Any service that includes pam_nologin.so in the auth pam stack of its /etc/pam.d/* file will be affected by the existence of the /etc/nologin file.

Cause

If /etc/nologin file is present many services will deny access to the server. This file can contain a helpful message telling users why they cannot login, but can be left empty. In which case. only the “login incorrect” message is displayed.

Any service that includes pam_nologin.so in the auth pam stack of its /etc/pam.d/* file will be affected by the existence of the /etc/nologin file.

Disclaimer

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