Title

The /etc/shadow file (or equivalent) must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The /etc/shadow file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification. The file also contains password hashes which must not be accessible to users other than root.

Check Content

Check the ownership of the /etc/shadow file. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/shadow If the file is not group-owned by root, bin, or sys, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the group owner of the /etc/shadow file. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/shadow

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-226523r603265_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-226523

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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