cyberstrikeus 6.1.5 Ensure permissions on /etc/gshadow are configured (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The /etc/gshadow file is used to store the information about groups that is critical to the security of those accounts, such as the hashed password and other security information.
Rationale
If attackers can gain read access to the /etc/gshadow file, they can easily run a password cracking program against the hashed password to break it. Other security information that is stored in the /etc/gshadow file (such as group administrators) could also be useful to subvert the group.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify Uid is 0/root, Gid is <gid>/shadow, and Access is 640 or more restrictive:
stat /etc/gshadow
Expected Result
Access: (0640/-rw-r-----) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 42/ shadow)
Remediation
Run the following commands to set permissions on /etc/gshadow:
chown root:shadow /etc/gshadow
chmod o-rwx,g-rw /etc/gshadow
Default Value
Access: (0640/-rw-r-----) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 42/ shadow)
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