Title

The /etc/shadow file must have mode 0000. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The "/etc/shadow" file contains the list of local system accounts and stores password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security. Failure to give ownership of this file to root provides the designated owner with access to sensitive information which could weaken the system security posture.

Check Content

To check the permissions of "/etc/shadow", run the command: $ ls -l /etc/shadow If properly configured, the output should indicate the following permissions: "----------" If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

To properly set the permissions of "/etc/shadow", run the command: # chmod 0000 /etc/shadow

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-217873r603264_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-217873

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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