cyberstrikeus 5.1.7 Ensure permissions on /etc/cron.d are configured (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The /etc/cron.d directory contains system cron jobs that need to run in a similar manner to the hourly, daily, weekly and monthly jobs from /etc/crontab, but require more granular control as to when they run. The files in this directory cannot be manipulated by the crontab command, but are instead edited by system administrators using a text editor. The commands below restrict read/write and search access to user and group root, preventing regular users from accessing this directory.
Rationale
Granting write access to this directory for non-privileged users could provide them the means for gaining unauthorized elevated privileges. Granting read access to this directory could give an unprivileged user insight in how to gain elevated privileges or circumvent auditing controls.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify Uid and Gid are both 0/root and Access does not grant permissions to group or other:
stat /etc/cron.d
Expected Result
Access: (0700/-rw-------) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
Remediation
Run the following commands to set ownership and permissions on /etc/cron.d:
chown root:root /etc/cron.d
chmod og-rwx /etc/cron.d
Default Value
Not configured by default.
References
- CIS Controls: 5.1 - Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation