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V-282648

CAT II (Medium)

The TOSS 5 /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive to prevent unauthorized access.

Rule ID

SV-282648r1201583_rule

STIG

Tri-Lab Operating System Stack (TOSS) 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

If the "/etc/passwd" file is writable by a group owner or the world, it increases the risk of compromise. The file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information, and protection of this file is critical for system security.

Check Content

Verify the "/etc/passwd" file has mode "0644" or less permissive using the following command:

$ sudo stat -c "%a %n" /etc/passwd

644 /etc/passwd

If a value of "0644" or less permissive is not returned, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the mode of the file "/etc/passwd" to "0644" using the following command:

$ sudo chmod 0644 /etc/passwd