# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 6.2.15 Ensure all groups in /etc/passwd exist in /etc/group

> Verify all groups referenced in /etc/passwd exist in /etc/group

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-6-2-15-ensure-all-groups-in-etc-passwd-` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-6-2-15-ensure-all-groups-in-etc-passwd-`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-6-2-15-ensure-all-groups-in-etc-passwd-/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- 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-6-2-15-ensure-all-groups-in-etc-passwd-

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# 6.2.15 Ensure all groups in /etc/passwd exist in /etc/group (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

Over time, system administration errors and changes can lead to groups being defined in `/etc/passwd` but not in `/etc/group`.

## Rationale

Groups defined in the `/etc/passwd` file but not in the `/etc/group` file pose a threat to system security since group permissions are not properly managed.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following script and verify no results are returned:

```bash
#!/bin/bash

for i in $(cut -s -d: -f4 /etc/passwd | sort -u ); do
  grep -q -P "^.*?:[^:]*:$i:" /etc/group
  if [ $? -ne 0 ]; then
    echo "Group $i is referenced by /etc/passwd but does not exist in /etc/group"
  fi
done
```

## Expected Result

No output should be returned.

## Remediation

Analyze the output of the Audit step above and perform the appropriate action to correct any discrepancies found.

## Default Value

Not applicable.

## References

None

## CIS Controls

16 Account Monitoring and Control - Account Monitoring and Control

## Profile

- Level 1