cyberstrikeus Ensure default group for the root account is GID 0
Profile Applicability:
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Assessment Status: Automated
Description
The usermod command can be used to specify which group the root user belongs to. This affects permissions of files that are created by the root user.
Rationale
Using GID 0 for the root account helps prevent root-owned files from accidentally becoming accessible to non-privileged users.
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following command and verify the result is 0:
grep "^root:" /etc/passwd | cut -f4 -d:
Expected output:
0
Remediation
Command Line
Run the following command to set the root user default group to GID 0:
usermod -g 0 root
References
None
CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control |
|---|---|
| v7 | 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists - Protect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities. |
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation