The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system.

From VMware vRealize Operations Manager 6.x SLES Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001891

SV-99325r1_rule The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be group-owned by root, bin, sys, or system.

Vulnerability discussion

A synchronized system clock is critical for the enforcement of time-based policies and the correlation of logs and audit records with other systems. If an illicit time source is used for synchronization, the integrity of system logs and the security of the system could be compromised. If the configuration files controlling time synchronization are not owned by a system group, unauthorized modifications could result in the failure of time synchronization.

Check content

Check the group ownership of the NTP configuration file: # ls -lL /etc/ntp.conf If the group-owner is not "root", "bin", "sys", or "system", this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the group-owner of the NTP configuration file: # chgrp root /etc/ntp.conf

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