Title

The Ubuntu operating system must configure the /var/log directory to be group-owned by syslog. (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 the Ubuntu operating system configures the /var/log directory to be group-owned by syslog. Check that the /var/log directory is group owned by syslog with the following command: # sudo stat -c "%n %G" /var/log /var/log syslog If the /var/log directory is not group-owned by syslog, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the Ubuntu operating system to have syslog group-own the /var/log directory by running the following command: # sudo chgrp syslog /var/log

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-219189r610963_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-219189

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.