# Cis GCP Cos 6.1.1

> Ensure permissions on /etc/passwd are configured

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-6-1-1` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-6-1-1`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-6-1-1/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-6-1-1

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# 6.1.1 Ensure permissions on /etc/passwd are configured (Automated)

## Description

The `/etc/passwd` file contains user account information that is used by many system utilities and therefore must be readable for these utilities to operate.

## Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the `/etc/passwd` file is protected from unauthorized write access. Although it is protected by default, the file permissions could be changed either inadvertently or through malicious actions.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify `Uid` and `Gid` are both `0/root` and `Access` is `644`:

```bash
# stat /etc/passwd
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--)  Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (    0/    root)
```

## Expected Result

`Uid` and `Gid` should both be `0/root` and `Access` should be `644`.

## Remediation

Run the following command to set permissions on `/etc/passwd`:

```bash
# chown root:root /etc/passwd
# chmod 644 /etc/passwd
```

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                             | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists             | x    | x    | x    |
| v7               | 16.4 Encrypt or Hash all Authentication Credentials |      | x    | x    |

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server