unix_chkpwd password check failed for user root

SYMPTOMS

"/var/log/secure"
Mar  4 16:29:15 localhost sshd[5918]: pam_unix(sshd:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty=ssh ruser= rhost=192.168.3.44  user=root
Mar  4 16:29:17 localhost sshd[5918]: Failed password for root from 192.168.3.44 port 62079 ssh2
Mar  4 16:29:20 localhost unix_chkpwd[5921]: password check failed for user (root)

CAUSE

The /etc/ssh/sshd_config file disables root from using the password to log in.

PermitRootLogin prohibit-password

SOLUTION

sed -i '/^PermitRootLogin/s/Perm/#Perm/' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
echo "PermitRootLogin yes" >> /etc/ssh/sshd_config