Cross-Compiled Linux From Scratch - Version SYSVINIT-20170702-MIPS

Chapter 10. Installing Basic System Software

10.21. Libcap-2.25

Libcap is a library for getting and setting POSIX.1e (formerly POSIX 6) draft 15 capabilities.

10.21.1. Installation of Libcap

Compile the package: 

make

This package does not come with a test suite.

Install the package: 

make RAISE_SETFCAP=no install
chmod -v 755 /lib/libcap.so.2.25
ln -sfv ../../lib/$(readlink /lib/libcap.so) /usr/lib/libcap.so
rm -v /lib/libcap.so
mv -v /lib/libcap.a /usr/lib

The meaning of the make option:

RAISE_SETFCAP=no

This prevents setcap from being run on itself, which will fail if the kernel or file system does not support extended capabilities.

10.21.2. Contents of Libcap

Installed programs: capsh, getcap, getpcaps, setcap
Installed libraries: libcap.[a,so]

Short Descriptions

capsh

Capability support and use can be explored and constrained with this tool

getcap

Examines file capabilities

getpcaps

Displays the capabilities on the queried process(es)

setcap

Sets file capabilities

libcap

Library for setting and clearing POSIX.1e capabilities