cyberstrikeus 6.1.6 Ensure permissions on /etc/passwd- are configured (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The /etc/passwd- file contains backup user account information.
Rationale
It is critical to ensure that the /etc/passwd- file is protected from unauthorized 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 or more restrictive:
stat /etc/passwd-
Expected Result
Access: (0644/-rw-------) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
Remediation
Run the following command to set permissions on /etc/passwd-:
chown root:root /etc/passwd-
chmod u-x,go-wx /etc/passwd-
Default Value
Access: (0644/-rw-------) 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