cyberstrikeus 1.4.3 Ensure authentication required for single user mode (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
Single user mode is used for recovery when the system detects an issue during boot or by manual selection from the bootloader.
Rationale
Requiring authentication in single user mode prevents an unauthorized user from rebooting the system into single user to gain root privileges without credentials.
Audit Procedure
Perform the following to determine if a password is set for the root user:
grep ^root:[*\!]: /etc/shadow
No results should be returned.
Expected Result
No output should be returned. If output is returned, the root account does not have a password set.
Remediation
Run the following command and follow the prompts to set a password for the root user:
passwd root
Default Value
Not applicable.
References
- CIS Controls: 5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation