file extension EQUIV

File extension EQUIV description:

The /etc/hosts.equiv file, along with any local $HOME/.rhosts files, defines the hosts (computers on a network) and user accounts that can invoke remote commands on a local host without supplying a password. A user or host that is not required to supply a password is considered trusted.

When a local host receives a remote command request, the appropriate local daemon first checks the /etc/hosts.equiv file to determine if the request originates with a trusted user or host. For example, if the local host receives a remote login request, the rlogind daemon checks for the existence of a hosts.equiv file on the local host. If the file exists but does not define the host or user, the system checks the appropriate $HOME/.rhosts file. This file is similar to the /etc/hosts.equiv file, except that it is maintained for individual users.

Both files, hosts.equiv and .rhosts must have permissions denying write access to group and other. If either group or other have write access to a file, that file will be ignored.

Do not give write permission to the /etc/hosts.equiv file to group and others. Permissions of the /etc/hosts.equiv file should be set to 600 (read and write by owner only).

If a remote command request is made by the root user, the /etc/hosts.equiv file is ignored and only the /.rhosts file is read.