Sudo is a widely used command-line utility in Unix-like operating systems that allows users to run programs with the security privileges of another user, typically the superuser or root. While sudo is a powerful tool, there are several other alternatives and competitors available in the market that offer similar functionalities and additional features. In this article, we will explore the ten best sudo alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. su (Switch User)

su, short for "switch user," is a command-line utility that allows users to switch to another account or become superuser temporarily. It is commonly used in Unix-like systems to gain elevated privileges and perform administrative tasks. Unlike sudo, su requires the user to provide the password for the target user or superuser.

Key Features:

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  • Allows users to switch to another account or become superuser
  • Requires the target user's password
  • Commonly used for administrative tasks

2. doas (Do As)

doas is a lightweight alternative to sudo that focuses on simplicity and security. It is available in OpenBSD and some other Unix-like operating systems. Similar to sudo, doas allows users to execute commands with the privileges of another user, including the superuser. However, doas has a simpler configuration syntax and a smaller codebase, which contributes to its security-focused design.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alternative to sudo
  • Simpler configuration syntax
  • Security-focused design

3. pfexec (Profile-Based Execution Control)

pfexec is a privilege management framework developed by Oracle Solaris. It enables users to execute authorized commands with elevated privileges while maintaining fine-grained control over access rights. pfexec utilizes profiles to define the commands and privileges that users can execute, providing a secure environment for administrative tasks.

Key Features:

  • Privilege management framework
  • Fine-grained control over access rights
  • Utilizes profiles for defining authorized commands

4. dzdo (Distributed ZONE DO)

dzdo is a command-line utility that allows users to execute commands with superuser privileges in Solaris Zones. It is similar to sudo but tailored specifically for Solaris Zones environments. dzdo provides security features such as auditing and fine-grained access control, making it a suitable choice for administrators managing Solaris Zones.

Key Features:

  • Specifically designed for Solaris Zones environments
  • Provides auditing and fine-grained access control
  • Enables executing commands with superuser privileges

5. runas

runas is a Windows command-line utility that allows users to run programs with the security privileges of another user, similar to sudo in Unix-like systems. It is particularly useful for running administrative tasks under a different user account without logging out. runas requires the user to provide the password for the target user or administrator.

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Key Features:

  • Allows running programs with the privileges of another user
  • Particularly useful for administrative tasks in Windows
  • Requires the target user's password

6. PowerBroker

PowerBroker by BeyondTrust is an enterprise-grade privilege management solution that offers a comprehensive set of features for managing and securing privileged access. It provides centralized control over user privileges, allowing organizations to enforce least privilege policies effectively. PowerBroker also offers auditing, reporting, and session recording capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Enterprise-grade privilege management solution
  • Centralized control over user privileges
  • Auditing, reporting, and session recording capabilities

7. SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)

SELinux is a security framework integrated into the Linux kernel that provides mandatory access control (MAC) policies. While not a direct alternative to sudo, SELinux enhances the overall security of the system by enforcing access controls and confinement policies. It allows administrators to define fine-grained permissions and restrict the actions of privileged users.

Key Features:

  • Security framework integrated into the Linux kernel
  • Provides mandatory access control (MAC) policies
  • Enables defining fine-grained permissions

8. AppArmor

AppArmor is a Linux security module that allows for fine-grained access control and confinement of programs. Similar to SELinux, AppArmor enhances system security by enforcing policies on individual programs, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions. It offers an easy-to-use profile-based configuration and supports both system-wide and per-user policy enforcement.

Key Features:

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  • Linux security module for fine-grained access control
  • Enforces policies on individual programs
  • Profile-based configuration

9. SUDO_KILLER

SUDO_KILLER is a Python script designed to exploit misconfigurations in sudo rules. While not an alternative to sudo itself, it is a useful tool for security professionals and penetration testers to assess the effectiveness of sudo configurations and identify potential vulnerabilities. SUDO_KILLER can aid in security auditing and testing the security posture of systems using sudo.

Key Features:

  • Exploits misconfigurations in sudo rules
  • Useful for security auditing and vulnerability assessment
  • Assists in testing the security posture of systems using sudo

10. PolicyKit

PolicyKit is a framework that provides fine-grained access control for system-wide and desktop-level operations in Unix-like systems. It allows various system components and applications to request privileges based on defined policies. PolicyKit is commonly used in desktop environments to manage administrative tasks and define permission rules.

Key Features:

  • Fine-grained access control framework
  • Manages administrative tasks in desktop environments
  • Defines permission rules for system-wide and desktop-level operations

While sudo remains a popular choice for privilege management in Unix-like systems, several alternatives and competitors offer similar or additional features. Su, doas, pfexec, dzdo, runas, PowerBroker, SELinux, AppArmor, SUDO_KILLER, and PolicyKit provide various capabilities to manage privileges, enforce access controls, and enhance system security. The choice of alternative may depend on the specific requirements of the environment, such as simplicity, security, enterprise-grade features, or compatibility with a particular operating system. Evaluating these alternatives can help organizations choose the most suitable solution for their privilege management needs in 2024.