The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root.

From AIX 6.1 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-26410r1_rule The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root.

Vulnerability 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.

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Fix text

Change the owner of the /etc/hosts file to root. # chown root /etc/hosts

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