# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 13 2

> Verify No Legacy "+" Entries Exist in /etc/passwd File

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-13-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-13-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-13-2/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-v110-13-2

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# 13.2 Verify No Legacy "+" Entries Exist in /etc/passwd File (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The character `+` in various files used to be markers for systems to insert data from NIS maps at a certain point in a system configuration file. These entries are no longer required on most systems, but may exist in files that have been imported from other platforms.

## Rationale

These entries may provide an avenue for attackers to gain privileged access on the system.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Run the following command and verify that no output is returned:

```bash
/bin/grep '^+:' /etc/passwd
```

## Expected Result

No output should be returned. Any output indicates legacy `+` entries exist in `/etc/passwd`.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

Delete these entries if they exist.

## Default Value

No legacy `+` entries exist in `/etc/passwd` by default on Ubuntu 12.04.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored