Files executed through a mail aliases file must be owned by root and must reside within a directory owned and writable only by root.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-35169r1_rule Files executed through a mail aliases file must be owned by root and must reside within a directory owned and writable only by root.

Vulnerability discussion

If a file executed through a mail aliases file is not owned and writable only by root, it may be subject to unauthorized modification. Unauthorized modification of files executed through aliases may allow unauthorized users to attain root privileges.

Check content

Examine the aliases file for any utilized directories or paths. # cat/etc/mail/aliases | cut -f 2,2 -d ":" | grep "|" For example, the alias file entry will look like: msgs: "|/usr/bin/msgs -s" The entry must be an absolute path name: # ls -lLd `dirname ` # ls -lL If the file or parent directory is not owned by root, this a finding.

Fix text

Edit the /etc/mail/aliases file Locate the entries executing a program. They will appear similar to the following line: alias: "|/usr/local/bin/ls" (or some other program name) Ensure root owns the programs and the directory(ies) they reside in by using the chown command to change owner to root. For a directory entry: # chown root For a file entry (change BOTH the directory and file, where/as necessary: # chown root # chown root `dirname `

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