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Check: GEN001368

VMware ESX 3 Server: GEN001368 (in version v1 r2)

Title

The /etc/hosts file must have mode 0644 or less permissive. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The /etc/hosts file (or equivalent) configures local host name to IP address mappings that typically take precedence over DNS resolution. If this file is maliciously modified, it could cause the failure or compromise of security functions requiring name resolution, which may include time synchronization, centralized authentication, and remote system logging.

Check Content

Check the mode of the /etc/hosts file. Procedure: # ls -l /etc/hosts If the file mode is more permissive than 0644, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the mode of the /etc/hosts file to 0644 or less permissive. # chmod 0644 /etc/hosts

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-26412r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22325

Group Title: GEN001368

Expert Comments

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CCIs

CCIs tied to check.

Number	Definition
CCI-000225	Employ the principle of least privilege, allowing only authorized accesses for users (or processes acting on behalf of users) which are necessary to accomplish assigned organizational tasks.

Controls

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

Number	Title
AC-6	Least Privilege