cyberstrikeus 6.1.2 Ensure permissions on /etc/passwd are configured (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
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:
stat /etc/passwd
Expected Result
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
Remediation
Run the following command to set permissions on /etc/passwd:
chown root:root /etc/passwd
chmod 644 /etc/passwd
Default Value
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
References
None
CIS Controls
16.14 Encrypt/Hash All Authentication Files And Monitor Their Access - Verify that all authentication files are encrypted or hashed and that these files cannot be accessed without root or administrator privileges. Audit all access to password files in the system.
Profile
- Level 1