🔓 Enabling Root Login in Debian Control Panel (Debian 12)

By default, Cockpit restricts root user logins via the disallowed-users list. To allow root access, you'll need to remove the root entry from this file.

✅ Steps to Enable Root Login

1. Edit the disallowed-users file

Open the file with a text editor using root privileges:

   sudo nano /etc/cockpit/disallowed-users

2. Remove the root line

If you see a line that contains only:

   root

comment out that line:

   # root

3. Save the changes

• In Nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save and exit.

4. Restart the Cockpit service

For the changes to take effect, restart Cockpit:

   sudo systemctl restart cockpit

(Rebooting the system is optional but not typically necessary.)

⚠️ Important Considerations

• 🔐 Security Risks

Enabling root login increases the attack surface. It's safer to use a non-root user with sudo privileges for daily tasks.

• 🔑 Alternative Authentication

Consider implementing Kerberos, SSH keys, or certificates for more secure authentication.

• 🧱 Firewall Access

Make sure your firewall allows traffic on TCP port 9090, which Cockpit uses.

• 👤 Managing Other Users

You can restrict additional users by adding their usernames (one per line) to /etc/cockpit/disallowed-users.

Updated on: 10/12/2025