Title

RHEL 8 library directories must be group-owned by root or a system account. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

If RHEL 8 were to allow any user to make changes to software libraries, then those changes might be implemented without undergoing the appropriate testing and approvals that are part of a robust change management process. This requirement applies to RHEL 8 with software libraries that are accessible and configurable, as in the case of interpreted languages. Software libraries also include privileged programs that execute with escalated privileges. Only qualified and authorized individuals will be allowed to obtain access to information system components for purposes of initiating changes, including upgrades and modifications.

Check Content

Verify the system-wide shared library directories are group-owned by "root" with the following command: $ sudo find /lib /lib64 /usr/lib /usr/lib64 ! -group root -type d -exec stat -c "%n %G" '{}' \; If any system-wide shared library directory is returned and is not group-owned by a required system account, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the system-wide shared library directories (/lib, /lib64, /usr/lib and /usr/lib64) to be protected from unauthorized access. Run the following command, replacing "[DIRECTORY]" with any library directory not group-owned by "root". $ sudo chgrp root [DIRECTORY]

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-251709r810014_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-251709

Group Title: SRG-OS-000259-GPOS-00100

Expert Comments

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