How to enable SSH Service and configure network in the rescue mode?

Environment

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10

Issue

• How to enable SSH Service when the system is in Rescue mode?
• How to enable SSH Service when booting with ISO in rescue mode?

Resolution

• Get to the Rescue Mode shell:

     In RHEL 7
     sh-4.2#
  
     In RHEL 8
     sh-4.4#
  
     In RHEL 9
     bash-5.1#
  
     In RHEL 10
     bash-5.2#
  

• Enable the network in rescue mode outside the chroot environment

• Configuring and Starting sshd service

  • Locate the ssh_config file

    # find / -name "*sshd_config*"
    /etc/ssh/sshd_config.anaconda
    

  • Create a new sshd_config file.

    # cp /etc/ssh/sshd_config.anaconda /etc/ssh/sshd_config
    

  • Start the SSH daemon:

    # systemctl start sshd
    

• Alternate Method.

  • While booting system into the rescue mode using ISO, Press TAB under Rescue a Red Hat Enterprise Linux System , append sshd=1(For RHEL 8 and below) or inst.sshd=1(For RHEL 9 and above) and press enter key.

  • Enable the network in rescue mode outside the chroot environment

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