Title

The Ubuntu operating system must configure the /var/log directory to have mode 0755 or less permissive. (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 the operating system 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 that the Ubuntu operating system configures the /var/log directory with a mode of "755" or less permissive. Check the mode of the /var/log directory with the following command: Note: If rsyslog is active and enabled on the operating system, this requirement is not applicable. $ stat -c "%n %a" /var/log /var/log 755 If a value of "755" or less permissive is not returned, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the Ubuntu operating system to have permissions of "0755" for the /var/log directory by running the following command: $ sudo chmod 0755 /var/log

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-219191r880868_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-219191

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.