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Check: GEN001366

HP-UX 11.31 STIG: GEN001366 (in versions v1 r19 through v1 r13)

Title

The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

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 Content

Verify the /etc/hosts file is owned by root. # ls -lL /etc/hosts If the file is not owned by root, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the owner of the /etc/hosts file to root. # chown root /etc/hosts

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-38313r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22323

Group Title: GEN001366

Expert Comments

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CCIs

CCIs tied to check.

Number	Definition
CCI-000225	The organization employs the concept of least privilege, allowing only authorized accesses for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) which are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with organizational missions and business functions.

Controls

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

Number	Title
AC-6	Least Privilege