Question

Console Login Works, SSH Login Doesn't

Posted on April 27, 2017
Linux Basics Ubuntu
Asked by usedearplugs

When I click console, I am prompted for a login. I use “root” and then enter my password. That works fine.

I use putty to SSH in, I am prompted for a login. I use “root” and then enter my password (as prompted), but it doesn’t accept the login credentials.

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Flamber Hansen • April 27, 2017

Accepted Answer

Hi @usedearplugs

Have you modified security settings for SSH or root at some point?

Login on console, then run tail -f /var/log/auth.log. Now login over SSH and have it fail. What do you see in the console? Also have a look with tail -50 /var/log/syslog

You can take screenshots of the console and upload to imgur.com and post link here.

Jonathan Tittle • April 27, 2017

@usedearplugs

If you’re able to log in to console, but not via SSH, ufw is probably active and you’ve been blocked.

If you log in to console, run ufw status and see if ufw is running. If it is, you can disable using:

ufw disable

Once disabled, try to login via SSH. If you’re able to login once again, I’d simply reset ufw and add your policies back.

ufw reset

ufw default deny incoming

ufw default allow outgoing

Allow SSH:

ufw allow 22/tcp

If you need HTTP/HTTPS (Ports 80 and 443):

ufw allow 80/tcp

ufw allow 443/tcp

Once you’ve setup your firewall rules as above, re-enable ufw:

ufw enable

zakirraza45 • April 8, 2018

I am having the similar problem. I am not able to login via ssh via Putty. When ever i try to login i get connection timed out. But from console its working. Please help me!