The root user must not own the logon session for an application requiring a continuous display.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-63649r1_rule The root user must not own the logon session for an application requiring a continuous display.

Vulnerability discussion

If an application is providing a continuous display and is running with root privileges, unauthorized users could interrupt the process and gain root access to the system.

Check content

If there is an application running on the system continuously in use (such as a network monitoring application), ask the SA what the name of the application is. Verify documentation exists for the requirement and justification of the application. If no documentation exists, this is a finding. Execute "ps -ef | more" to determine which user owns the process(es) associated with the application. If the owner is root, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the system so the owner of a session requires a continuous screen display, such as a network management display, is not root. Ensure the display is also located in a secure, controlled access area. Document and justify this requirement and ensure the terminal and keyboard for the display (or workstation) are secure from all but authorized personnel by maintaining them in a secure area, in a locked cabinet where a swipe card, or other positive forms of identification, must be used to gain entry.

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