Check: GEN000000-LNX00600
VMware ESX 3 Server:
GEN000000-LNX00600
(in version v1 r2)
Title
The Linux PAM system must not grant sole access to admin privileges to the first user who logs into the console. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
If an unauthorized user has been granted privileged access while logged in at the console, the security posture of a system could be greatly compromised. Additionally, such a situation could deny legitimate root access from another terminal.
Check Content
Ensure the pam_console.so module is not configured in any files in /etc/pam.d by: # cd /etc/pam.d # grep pam_console.so * Or # ls -la /etc/security/console.perms If either the pam_console.so entry or the file /etc/security/console.perms is found then this is a finding.
Fix Text
Configure PAM to not grant sole access of administrative privileges to the first user logged in at the console. Identify any instances of pam_console. # cd /etc/pam.d # grep pam_console.so * For any files containing an un-commented reference to pam_console.so, edit the file and remove or comment out the reference. Remove the console.perms file if it exists: # rm /etc/security/console.perms
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-4346r2_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-4346
Group Title: GEN000000-LNX00600
Expert Comments
CCIs
| 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. |
| CCI-000366 |
The organization implements the security configuration settings. |