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Check: GEN001380

VMware ESX 3 Server: GEN001380 (in version v1 r2)

Title

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

Discussion

If the password file is writable by a group owner or the world, the risk of password file compromise is increased. The password file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.

Check Content

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

Fix Text

Change the mode of the passwd file to 0644. Procedure: # chmod 0644 /etc/passwd Document all changes.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-798r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-798

Group Title: GEN001380

Expert Comments

Expert comments are only available to logged-in users.

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