Hi,
Is anybody aware of any unintended consequences of changing (adding) a root password to the linux shell available via telnet?
Thanks,
David

So I don't know of any consequences to what you are wanting to do.
But the reason there is no password there already is it would be published anyway, so a "factory default" password here would give a false sense of security.
So a better form of security was needed.  Just turn port 23 (Telnet) off either thru the NION's web interface or the front panel.  Of course, to insure that this stays off, you must address the web interface superuser's passwords, as well as locking the front panel, so someone can't follow behind you and turn port 23 back on.
If later, being able to telnet to the shell is needed, simply turn port 23 back on.  Just remember, the more security passwords you add to any system, the more important documenting said passwords becomes.
Though not a direct answer to your question, I hope this helps.
Fergy