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Check: GEN000251

VMware ESX 3 Server: GEN000251 (in version v1 r2)

Title

The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A synchronized system clock is critical for the enforcement of time-based policies and the correlation of logs and audit records with other systems. If an illicit time source is used for synchronization, the integrity of system logs and the security of the system could be compromised. If the configuration files controlling time synchronization are not owned by a system group, unauthorized modifications could result in the failure of time synchronization.

Check Content

Check the group-ownership of the NTP configuration file. Procedure: # ls -lL <configuration file> If the group-owner is not root, bin, sys, or system, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the group-owner of the NTP configuration file. Procedure: # chgrp root <ntp.conf>

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-28721r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22295

Group Title: GEN000251

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