Multiple operating systems on a single memory card
Fail
The BerryBoot developers have built a serious vulnerability into the configuration dialog of the bootloader. This collection of configuration files, which can be accessed from the Edit config icon, is listed in the wpa_supplicant.conf tab in plain text, so that unauthorized third parties can gain access to the WiFi network with the WPA2 key that is displayed in the clear. If different WiFi accounts are used, however, only the last one is listed in the configuration file, so that only the authentication data of one WiFi network appears in the file.
You can eliminate this security risk by selecting Edit menu in the main window to open the configuration dialog and selecting More options, where you press Set password in the new buttonbar that opens. A password is then entered and verified in an overlapping dialog after you have checked the Protect access to settings with password box. After pressing OK, you are then prompted for the password the next time the settings dialogs are called. In this way, you can protect all the options against unauthorized access.
Maintenance
BerryBoot also lets you repair damaged filesystems on the SD card and reset an operating system to the original image. You can access both functions under Repair file system | Reset OS | More options. Whereas the filesystem repair preserves the original operating system you used with all its settings and only fixes inconsistencies in the filesystem, selecting Reset OS enables the original image from the web. In this case, your personal configuration settings are lost.
Conclusions
BerryBoot is a mature and functional boot manager that is easy to use without training. Although the software is stable, it does not yet offer all operating systems available for the Rasp Pi. The only drawbacks are the security issue with storing WPA2 keys in plain text and the difficulty in finding the function for password protecting the system. BerryBoot is the tool of choice for people who want to choose from several Rasp Pi operating systems in parallel on a single large memory card.
Infos
- Project website: https://www.berryterminal.com/doku.php/berryboot
- Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/berryboot/files/
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
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
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.