Title

The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A synchronized system clock is critical for the enforcement of time-based policies and the correlation of logs and audit records with other systems. If an illicit time source is used for synchronization, the integrity of system logs and the security of the system could be compromised. If the configuration files controlling time synchronization are not owned by a system group, unauthorized modifications could result in the failure of time synchronization.

Check Content

Check the group ownership of the NTP configuration file. Procedure: # ls -l /etc/inet/ntp.conf If the group owner is not root, bin, or sys, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the group owner of the NTP configuration file. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/inet/ntp.conf

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-227565r603266_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-227565

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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