# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 6.1.8 Ensure permissions on /etc/group- are configured

> Verify /etc/group- has correct ownership (root:root) and permissions (644 or more restrictive)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-6-1-8-ensure-permissions-on-etc-group-a` (Agent Skill)
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- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-6-1-8-ensure-permissions-on-etc-group-a

---


# 6.1.8 Ensure permissions on /etc/group- are configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `/etc/group-` file contains a backup list of all the valid groups defined in the system.

## Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the `/etc/group-` 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:

```bash
stat /etc/group-
```

## Expected Result

```
Access: (0644/-rw-------)  Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (    0/    root)
```

## Remediation

Run the following command to set permissions on `/etc/group-`:

```bash
chown root:root /etc/group-
chmod u-x,go-wx /etc/group-
```

## 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