cyberstrikeus 5.4.3 Ensure default group for the root account is GID 0 (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The usermod command can be used to specify which group the root user belongs to. This affects permissions of files that are created by the root user.
Rationale
Using GID 0 for the root account helps prevent root-owned files from accidentally becoming accessible to non-privileged users.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify the result is 0:
grep "^root:" /etc/passwd | cut -f4 -d:
Expected Result
0
Remediation
Run the following command to set the root user default group to GID 0:
usermod -g 0 root
Default Value
GID 0
References
- CIS Controls: 5 - Controlled Use of Administration Privileges
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation