Title

Amazon Linux 2023 must ensure the /var/log/messages file be owned by root. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify Amazon Linux 2023 or platform. Additionally, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives. The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.

Check Content

Verify Amazon Linux 2023 is configured so that the "/var/log/messages" file is owned by root with the following command: $ stat -c "%U %n" /var/log/messages root /var/log/messages If "/var/log/messages" does not have an owner of "root", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Amazon Linux 2023 so that the "/var/log/messages" file is owned by "root" with the following command: $ sudo chown root /var/log/messages

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-274130r1120378_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-274130

Group Title: SRG-OS-000206-GPOS-00084

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.