Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.

From SOLARIS 10 SPARC SECURITY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

Associated with IA controls: ECCD-2, ECCD-1

Associated with: CCI-000297

SV-850r2_rule Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.

Vulnerability discussion

.Xauthority files ensure the user is authorized to access the specific X Windows host. If .Xauthority files are not used, it may be possible to obtain unauthorized access to the X Windows host.

Check content

Check for .Xauthority files being utilized by looking for such files in the home directory of a user that uses X. Procedure: # cd ~someuser # ls -la .Xauthority If the .Xauthority file does not exist, ask the SA if the user is using X Windows. If the user is utilizing X Windows and the .Xauthority file does not exist, this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure the X Windows host is configured to write .Xauthority files into user home directories. Edit the Xaccess file. Ensure the line that writes the .Xauthority file is uncommented.

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