SSH direct root logins are disabled

[Nirjonadda]

Hi,

I have recently disabled SSH direct root logins on my server as some one suggested to do so because i had many security issues.How ever my new problem is now I'm not able to access SSH server anyway.

When i try to use Putty, i get this error
"Server refused public-key signature despite accepting key!"
So basically now i cannot login to SSH via username/password or by the public/private key.
Also i cannot login via WinSCP or any other tool. It says "Access denied"

The only way i can get in to my server is via WHM / Web browser.

So my question is
* Is there any way to get in to my server root files without SSH? If yes i can remove the SSH direct login restriction.
* Why WinSCP or Putty not working from public/private keys?

Thank you very much

 

[quizknows]

If you have any way to (or can ask your host to), change the sshd_config setting for PermitRootLogin from "no" to:

PermitRootLogin without-password

This will let key based logins work without allowing password logins for root.

 

[cPanelMichael]

Hello,

You may want to try running a temporary instance of SSH to see if it allows you to access your server to investigate:

https://IP:2087/cpsess12345678/scripts2/doautofixer?autofix=safesshrestart

You would replace "IP" with the server's IP address and the session number with what's displayed in your address bar. Note that this is simply a temporary instance of SSH so you can login and determine what's wrong with the standard SSH service. Then, use the following guide to update your SSH configuration:

SSH Hardening Guide

Thank you.