The system must restrict the ability to switch to the root user to members of a defined group.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000009

SV-64327r1_rule The system must restrict the ability to switch to the root user to members of a defined group.

Vulnerability discussion

Configuring a supplemental group for users permitted to switch to the root user prevents unauthorized users from accessing the root account, even with knowledge of the root credentials.

Check content

Check /etc/pam.d/su uses pam_wheel. # grep pam_wheel /etc/pam.d/su If pam_wheel is not present, or is commented out, this is a finding.

Fix text

Edit /etc/pam.d/su and uncomment or add a line such as "auth required pam_wheel.so". If necessary, create a "wheel" group and add administrative users to the group.

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