Title

RHEL 9 /etc/shadow file must be owned by root. (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

Verify the ownership of the "/etc/shadow" file with the following command: $ sudo stat -c "%U %n" /etc/shadow root /etc/shadow If "/etc/shadow" file does not have an owner of "root", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the owner of the file /etc/shadow to root by running the following command: $ sudo chown root /etc/shadow

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-257910r925717_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-257910

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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