Unable to connect to a Linux server via SSH. When attempting to start or restart the SSH service, the following error appears:
Starting sshd: Missing privilege separation directory: /var/empty/sshd
This error appears when the SSH daemon (sshd) tries to start, but it can't find the required directory /var/empty/sshd.
That directory is used for a security feature called privilege separation, where part of the SSH process runs in a restricted (limited-privilege) environment before authentication is complete. This helps prevent exploits from gaining root access.
Follow these steps to resolve the issue from the console access of your VPS:
Step 1: Create the Required Directory
# sudo mkdir -p /var/empty/sshd/etc
Step 2: Navigate to the Directory
# cd /var/empty/sshd/etc
Step 3: Create a Symlink to localtime
# sudo ln -s /etc/localtime localtime
This symlink ensures that the chrooted SSHD environment has access to system timezone data.
Step 4: Restart the SSH Service
# sudo systemctl restart sshd For older systems: # sudo service sshd restart
Conclusion:
You’ve successfully resolved the SSHD privilege separation error by creating the necessary directory structure and adding a symbolic link to the localtime file. Your SSH service should now start without issues.
