# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 12 1

> Verify Permissions on /etc/passwd

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1/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-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1

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# 12.1 Verify Permissions on /etc/passwd (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## 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

### Using Command Line

Run the following command to determine the permissions on the `/etc/passwd` file:

```bash
/bin/ls -l /etc/passwd
```

## Expected Result

```
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root <size> <date> /etc/passwd
```

Permissions should be `644` or more restrictive.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

If the permissions of the `/etc/passwd` file are incorrect, run the following command to correct them:

```bash
/bin/chmod 644 /etc/passwd
```

## Default Value

644

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored