IBM AIX 7.x STIG Version Comparison
IBM AIX 7.x Security Technical Implementation Guide
Comparison
There are 9 differences between versions v2 r3 (July 23, 2021) (the "left" version) and v2 r5 (April 27, 2022) (the "right" version).
Check AIX7-00-001032 was changed between these two versions. Green, underlined text was added, red, struck-out text was removed.
The regular view of the left check and right check may be easier to read.
Text Differences
Title
AIX administrative accounts must not run a web browser, except as needed for local service administration.
Check Content
Inspect the root account home directory for a ".netscape" or a ".mozilla" directory using the following commands: # find /home/root /root -name .netscape # find /home/root /root -name .mozilla If none exists, this is not a finding. If a file exists, verify with the root users and the ISSO the intent of the browsing. If a file exists and use of a web browser has not been authorized, this is a finding.
Discussion
If a web browser flaw is exploited while running as a privileged user, the entire system could be compromised. Specific exceptions for local service administration should be documented in site-defined policy. These exceptions may include HTTP(S)-based tools used for the administration of the local system, services, or attached devices. Examples of possible exceptions are HP’s System Management Homepage (SMH), the CUPS administrative interface, and Sun's StorageTek Common Array Manager (CAM) when these services are running on the local system.
Fix
Enforce policy requiring administrative accounts use web browsers only for local service administration.