Title

The value mesg n must be configured as the default setting for all users. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

The "mesg n" command blocks attempts to use the "write" or "talk" commands to contact users at their terminals, but has the side effect of slightly strengthening permissions on the user's TTY device.

Check Content

Determine if "mesg n" is the default for users. # grep "^mesg" /etc/.login # grep "^mesg" /etc/profile If either of these commands produces a line: mesg y this is a finding. For each existing user on the system, enter the command: # mesg If the command output is: is y this is a finding.

Fix Text

The root role is required. Edit the default profile configuration files. # pfedit /etc/profile # pfedit /etc/.login In each file add a new line: mesg n For each user on the system, enter the command: # mesg n

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-216343r603267_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-216343

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

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