Resetting the root password (was: user name from security logs)

[Ansgar -59cobalt- Wiechers <bugtraq () planetcobalt net>]

On 2005-05-29 Emmanuel Goldstein wrote:
> I've recently started to work in an Internet Cafe wich has a network
> of 10 Pc's running linux (Debian Woody). The thing is that the guy
> that was in charge of the network left without leaving the admin
> password cause he was fired, so now we can only access the computers
> with a regular user account.
>
> I have physical access to the computer and i can also access all hd's
> files using a LiveCD linux distribution.
>
> So, here's my question:  Is there anyway to change the admin password
> and/or get the machine's control back?  If not, Do i have to backup
> and reinstall linux on every box?

Try "init=/bin/sh" at the boot prompt.

And please do not hijack threads. If you have a new topic write a new
mail instead of replying to some other thread. Thanks.

Regards
Ansgar Wiechers
-- 
"All vulnerabilities deserve a public fear period prior to patches
becoming available."
--Jason Coombs on Bugtraq