Navigate

Check: GEN001379 M6

MACOSX 10.6: GEN001379 M6 (in version v1 r3)

Title

The /etc/passwd file must be group-owned by wheel. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The /etc/passwd file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification.

Check Content

Open a terminal session and enter the following command to verify the group ownership of the etc/passwd file. ls -lL /etc/passwd If the /etc/passwd file is not group owned by wheel, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Open a terminal session and enter the following command to set the group to wheel. chgrp wheel /etc/passwd

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-38088r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22333

Group Title:

Expert Comments

Expert comments are only available to logged-in users.

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