← Back to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v11 for System z Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-22333

CAT II (Medium)

The /etc/passwd file must be group-owned by root, bin, sys or system.

Rule ID

SV-44991r1_rule

STIG

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v11 for System z Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R12

CCIs

CCI-000225

Discussion

The /etc/passwd file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification.

Check Content

Check the group ownership of the passwd file.

Procedure:
# ls -lL /etc/passwd

If the file is not group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the group-owner of the /etc/passwd file to root, bin, sys, or system.

Procedure:
# chgrp root /etc/passwd