An /etc/passwd entry uses x in its password field.
Determine where the password hash is normally stored.
trainee:x:1001:1001:Training User:/home/trainee:/bin/bashWhat does this indicate?
An x in the /etc/passwd password field indicates that the hash and aging data are separated into /etc/shadow, usually readable only by privileged users.
Detailed explanation
Correct. The password hash is normally in the user's /etc/shadow entry.
Correct. The password hash is normally in the user's /etc/shadow entry.
Incorrect. x is not the literal password used for authentication.
Incorrect. x is not the literal password used for authentication.
Incorrect. Lock state depends on the shadow field prefix and other account settings.
Incorrect. Lock state depends on the shadow field prefix and other account settings.
Incorrect. Password authentication can still be enabled by the shadow entry.
Incorrect. Password authentication can still be enabled by the shadow entry.
Try it yourself
An example you can run in a temporary verification environment.
printf '%s
' 'passwd field x -> consult corresponding /etc/shadow entry'Expected result
passwd field x -> consult corresponding /etc/shadow entryKey points
- passwd contains public account data
- Hash is separated into shadow
- x alone does not mean locked
Notes
- Environment: shadow password構成の表示のみ
- Command output formatting can vary slightly by distribution or tool version.
- Run the example in a temporary directory or process when possible.
Foundation review
Read the scope first
Check whether the command acts on the current shell, a new process, an existing process, or a file.
Verify the observable result
Use the supplied command and compare the output with the expected result.