# Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 7 1 9

> Ensure access to /etc/shells is configured

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-7-1-9` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-7-1-9`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-7-1-9/raw
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- 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-ubuntu2004-v300-7-1-9

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# 7.1.9 Ensure access to /etc/shells is configured (Automated)

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

`/etc/shells` is a text file which contains the full pathnames of valid login shells. This file is consulted by `chsh` and available to be queried by other programs.

## Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the `/etc/shells` 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/shells` is mode 644 or more restrictive, `Uid` is `0/root` and `Gid` is `0/root`:

```bash
# stat -Lc 'Access: (%#a/%A) Uid: ( %u/ %U) Gid: ( %g/ %G)' /etc/shells
```

## Expected Result

```
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
```

## Remediation

### Command Line

Run the following commands to remove excess permissions, set owner, and set group on `/etc/shells`:

```bash
# chmod u-x,go-wx /etc/shells
# chown root:root /etc/shells
```

## Default Value

Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)

## References

1. 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       |