Title

All interactive user home directories defined in the /etc/passwd file must exist. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

If a user has a home directory defined that does not exist, the user may be given the / directory, by default, as the current working directory upon logon. This could create a Denial of Service because the user would not be able to perform useful tasks in this location.

Check Content

Use pwck to verify assigned home directories exist. # pwck If any user's assigned home directory does not exist, this is a finding.

Fix Text

If a user has no home directory, determine why. If possible, delete accounts that have no home directory. If the account is valid, then create the home directory using the appropriate system administration utility or manually. For instance: mkdir directoryname; copy the skeleton files into the directory; chown accountname for the new directory and the skeleton files. Document all changes. Update the sixth field in the /etc/passwd file to reflect the user's home directory. # usermod -d OR # vi /etc/passwd

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-900

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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