How do we issue unix type commands while in the tmsh shell? We neeed to remove the mcpd.bin files so Big-IP recognizes new NICs on reboot. How do we "cd /var/db" and "rm /var/db/mcpd.bin"? Thanks!

We're at Big-IP 11.3 running VE

As long as you aren't using the "App Mode" license you can ssh into your F5 as the root user to get a "bash" shell. Once you log in you can navigate around the filesystem like you would on any other linux host.

Hi, this may offer some additional background: http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/10000/200/sol10272.html?sr=33867522

Tried this and received the message "bash access has been disabled"

Guess we're using "App mode" as root access has been disabled as well as going into the bash shell.

Issue Unix commands | DevCentral

7 Replies

Dennis_Caffi_11
Nimbostratus
Dec 13, 2013
We're at Big-IP 11.3 running VE
Robin_Mordasie1
Historic F5 Account
Dec 13, 2013
As long as you aren't using the "App Mode" license you can ssh into your F5 as the root user to get a "bash" shell. Once you log in you can navigate around the filesystem like you would on any other linux host.
Kevin_K_51432
Historic F5 Account
Dec 13, 2013
Hi, this may offer some additional background:

http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/10000/200/sol10272.html?sr=33867522
- Dennis_Caffi_11
  Nimbostratus
  Dec 13, 2013
  Tried this and received the message "bash access has been disabled"
Dennis_Caffi_11
Nimbostratus
Dec 13, 2013
Guess we're using "App mode" as root access has been disabled as well as going into the bash shell.
nitass
Employee
Dec 14, 2013
i do not think delete /var/db/mcpdb.* or touch /service/mcpd/forceload works in appliance mode.

there are two enhancement IDs for listing/renaming/removing file in appliance mode but /var/db and /service/mcpd are not in the directory list. i am not aware of other method. you may open a support case to see if they can add /var/db and/or /service/mcpd directory to those IDs.

ID425460 - Appliance Mode: Need a way to list, rename, and remove core files in TMSH

ID350895 - Appliance Mode: whitelist SCP directory access, whitelist (or disable) sftp access

hope this helps.
Giezi_Reyes
Nimbostratus
Jan 08, 2020
We´ll its been almost 6 years but this may be useful for someone:

I had same issue and noticed that my license summary has an entry that says:
Local Traffic Manager, i2800(Perpetual) (******-******)
App Mode (TMSH Only, No Root/Bash)
Since I installed that license i´m not able to issue tmsh commands
So I had to request a new license (fortunately this is a lab enviroment)