Rule ID
SV-44982r1_rule
Version
V1R12
CCIs
The /etc/hosts file (or equivalent) configures local host name to IP address mappings that typically take precedence over DNS resolution. If this file is maliciously modified, it could cause the failure or compromise of security functions requiring name resolution, which may include time synchronization, centralized authentication, and remote system logging.
Check the /etc/hosts file's group ownership. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/hosts If the file is not group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system, this is a finding.
Change the group-owner of the /etc/hosts file to root, sys, bin, or system. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/hosts