Title

The Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system must remove all software components after updated versions have been installed. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

Previous versions of software components that are not removed from the information system after updates have been installed may be exploited by adversaries. Some information technology products may remove older versions of software automatically from the information system.

Check Content

Verify the operating system removes all software components after updated versions have been installed. Check if yum is configured to remove unneeded packages with the following command: # grep -i clean_requirements_on_remove /etc/yum.conf clean_requirements_on_remove=1 If "clean_requirements_on_remove" is not set to "1", "True", or "yes", or is not set in "/etc/yum.conf", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the operating system to remove all software components after updated versions have been installed. Set the "clean_requirements_on_remove" option to "1" in the "/etc/yum.conf" file: clean_requirements_on_remove=1

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-204452r853894_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-204452

Group Title: SRG-OS-000437-GPOS-00194

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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