cyberstrikeus 7.1.8 Ensure access to /etc/gshadow- is configured (Automated)
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The /etc/gshadow- file is used to store backup information about groups that is critical to the security of those accounts, such as the hashed password and other security information.
Rationale
It is critical to ensure that the /etc/gshadow- file is protected from unauthorized access. Although it is protected by default, the file permissions could be changed either inadvertently or through malicious actions.
Impact
None
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following command to verify /etc/gshadow- is mode 640 or more restrictive, Uid is 0/root and Gid is 0/root or {GID}/shadow:
# stat -Lc 'Access: (%#a/%A) Uid: ( %u/ %U) Gid: ( %g/ %G)' /etc/gshadow-
Example:
Access: (0640/-rw-r-----) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 42/ shadow)
Expected Result
Mode 640 or more restrictive, Uid 0/root, Gid 0/root or {GID}/shadow.
Remediation
Command Line
Run one of the following commands to set ownership of /etc/gshadow- to root and group to either root or shadow:
# chown root:shadow /etc/gshadow-
-OR-
# chown root:root /etc/gshadow-
Run the following command to remove excess permissions from /etc/gshadow-:
# chmod u-x,g-wx,o-rwx /etc/gshadow-
Default Value
Access: (0640/-rw-r-----) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 42/ shadow)
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AC-3. MP-2
CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v8 | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists | X | X | X |
| v7 | 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists | X | X | X |
MITRE ATT&CK Mappings:
| Techniques / Sub-techniques | Tactics | Mitigations |
|---|---|---|
| T1003, T1003.008, T1222, T1222.002 | TA0005 | M1022 |