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Check: GEN001379

VMware ESX 3 Server: GEN001379 (in version v1 r2)

Title

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

Discussion

The /etc/passwd file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification.

Check Content

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

Fix Text

Change the group owner of the /etc/passwd file to root, bin, sys, or system. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/passwd

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-26426r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22333

Group Title: GEN001379

Expert Comments

Expert comments are only available to logged-in users.

CCIs

CCIs tied to check.

Number	Definition
CCI-000225	The organization employs the concept of least privilege, allowing only authorized accesses for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) which are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with organizational missions and business functions.

Controls

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

Number	Title
AC-6	Least Privilege