Re: [gentoo-user] modifying iptables: how can I prevent locking me out?

["J. Roeleveld" <joost@antarean.org>]

On Monday 24 January 2011 19:47:43 Jarry wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have to change rather complex iptables rules on server
> and I do not want to lock me out as this server is about
> 50 miles away. So how should I do it?
> 
> I can back up the old rules by running:
> /etc/init.d/iptables save
> and it will be saved to /var/lib/iptables/rules-save
> (some strange format starting with number like [536:119208])
> 
> I prepared a script with new (modified) iptables-rules,
> which I will run in bash. But in case I screw something,
> how could I force netfilter to load old saved rules,
> if I for whatever reason do not connect to server (ssh)?
> 
> Or can I load new iptables-rules for certain time, and
> then force netfilter to load back the old rules again?
> 
> Jarry

You could add the necessary rule(s) to ensure existing connections stay 
active.
That way you can enable the new rules and test by openening a new SSH-
connection to the server.
If that works, you're ok.
If not, you can use the existing SSH-connection to go back to the old rules.

--
Joost