rbash
Restricted mode of the Bash shell
TLDR
Start restricted shell
SYNOPSIS
rbash [options] [script]
DESCRIPTION
rbash is a restricted mode of the Bash shell that limits user actions to prevent unauthorized system access. When invoked as rbash (or via bash -r), it disables directory changes with cd, prevents modification of PATH, SHELL, ENV, and BASH_ENV variables, and blocks output redirection with >, >>, and related operators.
The restrictions also prevent commands containing slashes (blocking direct paths like /bin/command), use of the exec builtin, and importing of functions from the environment. This makes it useful for providing limited shell access to untrusted users when combined with a carefully controlled PATH containing only approved commands.
PARAMETERS
-c STRING
Execute command string.-i
Interactive mode.-l
Login shell.-r
Restricted mode (default).
RESTRICTIONS
- No cd command
- No PATH changes
- No output redirection
- No exec command
- No command substitution assignment
CAVEATS
Can be escaped via scripts. Not security boundary. Use with other controls.
HISTORY
rbash is bash started as restricted shell. It provides a limited environment for untrusted users.
