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Check: GEN001420

VMware ESX 3 Server: GEN001420 (in version v1 r2)

Title

The /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file must have mode 0400. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The /etc/shadow file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification. The file also contains password hashes which must not be accessible to users other than root.

Check Content

Check the mode of the /etc/shadow file. # ls -lL /etc/shadow If the /etc/shadow file has a mode more permissive than 0400, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the mode of the /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file. # chmod <mode> <file>

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-800r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-800

Group Title: GEN001420

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