Files executed through a mail aliases file must be group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system, and must reside within a directory group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-63719r1_rule Files executed through a mail aliases file must be group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system, and must reside within a directory group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system.

Vulnerability discussion

If a file executed through a mail aliases file is not group-owned by root or a system group, it may be subject to unauthorized modification. Unauthorized modification of files executed through aliases may allow unauthorized users to attain root privileges.

Check content

Examine the contents of the /etc/aliases file. Procedure: # more /etc/aliases Examine the aliases file for any utilized directories or paths. # ls -lL Check the permissions for any paths referenced. If the group owner of any file is not root, bin, sys, or system, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the group ownership of the file referenced from /etc/aliases. Procedure: # chgrp root

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