cyberstrikeus CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 - Control 4.5.3
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
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 Result
0
Remediation
Command Line
Run the following command to set the root user default group to GID 0:
usermod -g 0 root
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-1, CM-2, CM-6, CM-7, IA-5
CIS Controls
v8 - 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists - Configure data access control lists based on a user's need to know.
v7 - 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists.
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Assessment Status
Automated