Description of problem: A user who has a .profile file which executes the ksh builtin 'return' is able to log in, but is unable to properly execute some programs (vim and su at least). Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): ksh-20080202-2.el5.x86_64 How reproducible: Fails every time following the steps below. Steps to Reproduce: 1.Create test account with /bin/ksh as the default shell 2.Create a .profile file for this account with a single line containing 'return' 3.Log into this account remotely via SSH 4.Type 'su - somevalidusername' Actual results: Password: su: incorrect password There is no chance to even enter a password - the error appears immediately Expected results: The ability to actually enter the password Additional info: Note that another fallout of this is that one can login to the test account set up as above and type 'vi somefilename' and the moment you enter a keypress after that the vi session exits. The initial discovery came from a user who had return statements based on testing for environment variables so that he could log into a variety of OSes using the same .profile file.
this problem is present even in recent ksh upstream version (2009-06-30). I've send them an email, waiting for response.
status update: I've reported this bug upstream (2.7.). Got no response, but this is usual for ksh upstream. They usually don't reply, instead they release new version containing the fix. waiting for their response or new release
An advisory has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information on therefore solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen this bug report if the solution does not work for you. http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHBA-2010-0234.html