Title

Files executed through a mail aliases file must be owned by root and must reside within a directory owned and writable only by root. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

If a file executed through a mail aliases file is not owned and writable only by root, it may be subject to unauthorized modification. Unauthorized modification of files executed through aliases may allow unauthorized users to attain root privileges.

Check Content

Verify the ownership of files referenced within the sendmail aliases file. Procedure: # more /etc/aliases Examine the aliases file for any utilized directories or paths. # ls -lL <directory or file path> Check the owner for any paths referenced. Check if the file or parent directory is owned by root. If not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Edit the /etc/aliases file (alternatively, /usr/lib/sendmail.cf). Locate the entries executing a program. They will appear similar to the following line: Aliasname: : /usr/local/bin/ls (or some other program name) Ensure root owns the programs and the directory(ies) they reside in by using the chown command to change owner to root. Procedure: # chown root <file or directory name>

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-45851r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-833

Group Title: GEN004400

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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