acl_check - Linux


Overview

acl_check analyzes the Access Control List (ACL) of a given file or directory to assess permissions and perform audits. It provides detailed information about each entry in the ACL, helping users understand who has access to the resource and at what level.

Syntax

acl_check [-f|--file] target [-a|--allow] [-d|--deny]

Options/Flags

  • -f,–file: Specify the specific file or directory to check. Default: current working directory.
  • -a,–allow: Display only entries that allow access.
  • -d,–deny: Display only entries that deny access.

Examples

Check ACL of a file:

acl_check -f myfile.txt

Display only allowed entries:

acl_check -f myfile.txt -a

Check for specific user permissions:

acl_check -f myfile.txt --user=john

Common Issues

  • Insufficient user permissions: Ensure the user running the command has sufficient privileges to access the target file or directory.
  • Invalid target: Verify that the target path exists and is valid.
  • Complex ACLs: For large files with complex ACLs, the output may be extensive. Consider using less or grep to filter the results.

Integration

  • Permission audits: Use acl_check in conjunction with other permissions management tools to conduct regular audits and identify potential security risks.
  • Scripting: Automate ACL checks using shell scripts or Python programs for centralized management and monitoring.

Related Commands

  • chmod
  • chown
  • chgrp
  • getfacl
  • setfacl