Why can't I delete this directory ?


 
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# 1  
Old 09-30-2015
Why can't I delete this directory ?

Oracle Linux 6.4
bash shell

I am trying to remove the directory named OPatch. I am trying to run rm and rmdir commands while logged in as grid user, the owner of the directory.
But I keep getting "Permission denied" error. It is an empty directory. Any idea why I am getting 'Permission denied' error

Code:
$ pwd
/grid/product/11.2.0
$
$ ls -ld OPatch
drwxr-xr-x 2 grid oinstall 4096 Sep 30 19:22 OPatch
$
$ ls -l OPatch
total 0

$ whoami
grid
$
$ id -a grid
uid=302(grid) gid=303(oinstall) groups=303(oinstall),301(dba),302(grid),304(asmadmin),305(asmdba)
$
$ rm -R OPatch
rm: cannot remove `OPatch': Permission denied
$
$ rmdir OPatch
rmdir: failed to remove `OPatch': Permission denied
$
$ cd OPatch
$ ls
$
$ pwd
/grid/product/11.2.0/OPatch

# 2  
Old 09-30-2015
For removing the OPatch directory you need write-right in the top directory.
Code:
ls -ld /grid/product/11.2.0

This User Gave Thanks to MadeInGermany For This Post:
# 3  
Old 09-30-2015
You are right MadeInGermany. You have helped me in a critical time.THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Infact, all the parent directories were owned by root ; not just 11.2.0

Code:
$ ls -ld /grid/product/11.2.0
drwxr-xr-x 68 root oinstall 4096 Jan 29  2014 /grid/product/11.2.0
$
$ ls -ld /grid/product
drwxr-xr-x 3 root oinstall 4096 Jan 29  2014 /grid/product
$
$
$
$ ls -ld /grid
drwxr-xr-x. 5 root oinstall 4096 Jan 29  2014 /grid
$

# 4  
Old 09-30-2015
The higher parent directories only need an x-bit for basic access.
In Unix the directory where something is deleted|created is updated=changed=written, therefore you need a w-bit for it.
This User Gave Thanks to MadeInGermany For This Post:
# 5  
Old 09-30-2015
Just to clarify your point:

The top directory 11.2.0 has only read and execute as highlighted in red below. If there was a w bit (write permission) as well, ie. 775, then grid user would still have
been able to run rm -R OPatch successfully despite 11.2.0 directory being owned by root. Right ?
Code:
# ls -ld /grid/product/11.2.0
drwxr-xr-x 68 root oinstall 4096 Sep 30 21:11 /grid/product/11.2.0

# 6  
Old 09-30-2015
Quote:
Originally Posted by kraljic
Just to clarify your point:

The top directory 11.2.0 has only read and execute as highlighted in red below. If there was a w bit (write permission) as well, ie. 775, then grid user would still have
been able to run rm -R OPatch successfully despite 11.2.0 directory being owned by root. Right ?
Code:
# ls -ld /grid/product/11.2.0
drwxr-xr-x 68 root oinstall 4096 Sep 30 21:11 /grid/product/11.2.0

Yes, only because grid user belongs to the same group oinstall.
This User Gave Thanks to Aia For This Post:
 
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