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Check: GEN001366 M6

MACOSX 10.6: GEN001366 M6 (in version v1 r3)

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 typically taking 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

Open a terminal session and enter the following command to verify the owner of the etc/hosts file. ls -lL /etc/hosts If the /etc/hosts file is not owned by root, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Open a terminal session and enter the following command to set the owner to root. chown root /etc/hosts

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-38082r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22323

Group Title:

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