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# Beyond Permissions: 'o+rx' vs 'o+rX' in chmod.
- URL: https://snubmonkey.com/beyond-permissions-o-rx-vs-o-rx-in-chmod-2/
- Published: 2025-09-23T06:45:50.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-09T00:03:40.000Z
- Description: 'chmod' is key for managing access rights, but what's the difference between 'o+rx' and 'o+rX'¿ While both adjust permissions, they handle files and directories differently. Understanding this distinction is crucial for secure system management. Discover which command fits your needs.
- Author: yannick Coffi
- Tags: linux 🐧, security 🦾🦿, tips, how to 🪄

When managing file and directory permissions in Linux, one of the most common tasks is adjusting access rights using the `chmod` command. However, there’s a subtle but important difference between `chmod -R o+rx` and `chmod -R o+rX` that can impact security and usability. Let’s break it down.

## **Key Difference Between `o+rx` and `o+rX`**

## 

### `chmod -R o+rx [directory]`

- `-R`: Applies the command **recursively** to all files and subdirectories.
- **`o+rx`**: Grants **read** `r` and **execute** `x` permissions to **others**.
- **Effect**: Every file and directory inside `[directory]` gets `r` and `x` permissions, regardless of their original permissions.

### `chmod -R o+rX [directory]`

- `-R`: Applies **recursively** to all files and **subdirectories**.
- **`o+rX`**: Grants **read** `r` permission to others for all files, but applies **execute** `x` **only** if the file is already executable or if it's a **directory**.
- **Effect**: Directories get execute permission (so they remain accessible), but regular files do **not** get execute permission **unless** they already had it.

## 

## **Practical** Scenario A

Let's say we have a directory structure as follows:

```
SNUB_dir/
├── script.sh        (755 -rwxr-xr-x)  <-- A script file that is already executable
├── document_1.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_2.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_3.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_4.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
└── subdir/
    ├── file1.txt    (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file in a subdirectory, not executable
    └── script_2.sh  (755 -rwxr-xr-x)   <-- Another script file, already executable
```

###   
**Running `chmod -R o+rx` \[directory\]:**

#### 

- **`SNUB_dir`** is a **directory**, so it gets both **read `r`** and **execute `x`** permissions for **others**. The directory will become (**`drwxr-xr-x`**)
- `script.sh` remains executable.
- `document.txt` now has execute permission (**`-rw-r--r-x`**), which is **not ideal**.
- `subdir/` will get **`o+r` and `o+x`**, turning it into (**`drwxr-xr-x`**), which ensures that others can access and list the directory.
- `file1.txt` will become (**`-rw-r--r-x`**), meaning others can **read** it and **execute** it, which is typically not intended for a text file. (because they are not meant to be run as programs or scripts.)
- `script_2.sh` will remain (**`-rwxr-xr-x`**), as it's already **executable**, and (`o+x`) does not alter its behavior.

**Final Permissions After Running**`chmod -R o+rx` **\[SNUB\_dir\]**:

```
SNUB_dir/
├── script.sh        (755 -rwxr-xr-x)  <-- A script file that is already executable
├── document_1.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_2.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_3.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_4.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
└── subdir/
    ├── file1.txt    (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file in a subdirectory, not executable
    └── script_2.sh  (755 -rwxr-xr-x)   <-- Another script file, already executable
```

## **Practical Scenario B**

Let's say we have a directory structure as follows:

```
SNUB_dir/
├── script.sh        (755 -rwxr-xr-x)  <-- A script file that is already executable
├── document_1.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_2.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_3.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
├── document_4.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file that is not executable
└── subdir/
    ├── file1.txt    (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- A text file in a subdirectory, not executable
    └── script_2.sh  (755 -rwxr-xr-x)   <-- Another script file, already executable
```

####   
Running `chmod -R o+rX` **\[directory\]**:

#### 

- **`SNUB_dir`** is a **directory**, so it gets both **read `r`** and **execute `x`** permissions for **others**. The directory will become (**`drwxr-xr-x`**)
- `script.sh` remains executable.
- `document.txt` remains **unchanged** (**`-rw-r--r--`**), avoiding unnecessary execute permission.
- `subdir/` remains accessible (**`drwxr-xr-x`**).
- `file1.txt` permissions remain the same: (**`-rw-r--r--`)** (no change).
- `script_2.sh` is already executable; permissions remain the same: (**`-rwxr-xr-x`**) (no change).

  
**Final Permissions After Running `chmod -R o+rX` \[SNUB\_dir\]**:

```
SNUB_dir/
├── script.sh        (755 -rwxr-xr-x)  <-- No change (already has read and execute for others)
├── document_1.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- `o+r` added, but no execute
├── document_2.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- `o+r` added, but no execute
├── document_3.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- `o+r` added, but no execute
├── document_4.txt   (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- `o+r` added, but no execute
└── subdir/
    ├── file1.txt    (644 -rw-r--r--)   <-- `o+r` added, but no execute
    └── script_2.sh  (755 -rwxr-xr-x)   <-- No change (already has read and execute for others)
```

##   
**Which Command to Use and When?**

### Use `chmod -R o+rx` 

...to make all directories accessible and grant both read and execute permissions to all files, including non-executable ones like text files, which can lead to unintended behavior or security risks by mistakenly allowing text files to be treated as executables, potentially causing errors, security vulnerabilities, or unintended script execution in certain environments. This is **not recommended** for general use due to security risks.

### Use `chmod -R o+rX`

...to make all directories accessible while only granting execute permissions to files that are **already executable**, preventing non-executable files like text documents from mistakenly receiving execute permissions, which reduces the risk of accidental execution, security vulnerabilities, and unintended system behavior. This is the **safer choice**.

Understanding these nuances allows you to fine-tune file permissions, ensuring both security and efficient access control in your Linux system. With the right approach, you can protect your system from unnecessary risks while maintaining a smooth user experience.  
  
We hope you now have a clearer understanding!