The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive.

From AIX 6.1 SECURITY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-798r2_rule The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive.

Vulnerability discussion

If the password file is writable by a group owner or the world, the risk of password file compromise is increased. The password file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.

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Fix text

Change the mode of the passwd file to 0644. Procedure: # chmod 0644 /etc/passwd Document all changes.

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