Managing Active Directory from Linux with adtool
Update Early and Often
Remember, a software update for any project can cause mysterious problems to go away – or to appear. So, if you're experiencing issues with adtool and are confident that your queries and commands are using the proper syntax, and if you are convinced that your LDAP and Active Directory servers are properly configured, you might simply need to use a different version of adtool. As of this writing, the most current version is 1.3.3. Use that version unless you find that using an older version somehow resolves any connection problems you might be having.
Conclusion
So, you now have a good understanding of how to use adtool to administer a Microsoft domain controller. Using adtool across an encrypted connection gives you the ability to use your Linux system as efficiently as a Windows system. adtool is a powerful tool, and you now know many of the commands that will allow you to work and play well with Microsoft systems.
Adtool and Password Complexity
I've noticed over the years that quite a few adtool newbies have problems troubleshooting a new adtool implementation because of password requirements. Systems administrators sometimes use a simple password for a "dummy" user when testing a new application such as adtool.
Make sure you use a sufficiently complex password that Microsoft domain controllers like. Usually, systems expect your password to fulfill three of the following five categories: Uppercase letters, lowercase letters, base 10 digits, non-alphanumeric characters, and unicode characters. For more information about password complexity on Microsoft networks, consult Microsoft's TechNet site [7].
Reverse DNS and adtool
Authentication issues can get particularly sticky when you are using SSL-enabled connections. Error messages such as the following will often appear in your logs:
Invalid credentials (49)
additional info: 720408159: \
LdapErr: DSID-0C090334, \
comment: AcceptSecurityContext error, data 525, veceIn some cases, I've noticed that Microsoft domain controllers sometimes expect valid reverse DNS at login time. So, if you haven't properly set up reverse DNS, you'll run into problems. If you encounter errors that mention an authentication failure and then bind, consider creating or updating reverse DNS in bind. That will most likely solve any problems you have, as long as you are not experiencing a larger authentication issue.
Infos
- adtool: http://gp2x.org/adtool/
- Debian "squeeze" admin packages: http://packages.debian.org/squeeze/admin/
- adtool Removed from Testing: http://packages.qa.debian.org/a/adtool/news/20120313T163912Z.html
- Splunk: http://www.splunk.com
- Open LDAP: http://www.openldap.org
- TinyCA: http://www.sm-zone.net
- TechNet on Passwords: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc875814.aspx
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
elementary OS 7.1 Now Available for Download
The team behind elementary OS has released the latest version of its operating system with a focus on personalization, inclusivity, accessibility, and privacy.
-
The GNU Project Celebrates Its 40th Birthday
September 27 marks the 40th anniversary of the GNU Project, and it was celebrated with a hacker meeting in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
-
Linux Kernel Reducing Long-Term Support
LTS support for the Linux kernel is about to undergo some serious changes that will have a considerable impact on the future.
-
Fedora 39 Beta Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.