The system must be checked weekly for unauthorized setuid files, as well as, unauthorized modification to authorized setuid files.

From VMware ESXi Server 5.0 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-51283r2_rule The system must be checked weekly for unauthorized setuid files, as well as, unauthorized modification to authorized setuid files.

Vulnerability discussion

Files with the setuid bit set will allow anyone running these files to be temporarily assigned the UID of the file. While many system files depend on these attributes for proper operation, security problems can result if setuid is assigned to programs that allow reading and writing of files, or shell escapes.

Check content

Ask the SA if the system is checked for unauthorized setuid files on a weekly basis. To manually perform the check, disable lock down mode, enable the ESXi Shell, and execute the following command: # find / -perm -4000 -exec ls -lL {} \; Re-enable lock down mode. If no automated or manual process is in place, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the system to check for unauthorized setuid files on a weekly basis. Refer to the Check Content section above for the basic command structure to search the file system. Additionally, ensure persistence of the command output by storing results to a target located on persistent storage.

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