The /etc/nsswitch.conf file must be owned by root.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-38316r1_rule The /etc/nsswitch.conf file must be owned by root.

Vulnerability discussion

The nsswitch.conf file (or equivalent) configures the source of a variety of system security information including account, group, and host lookups. Malicious changes could prevent the system from functioning or compromise system security.

Check content

Verify the /etc/nsswitch.conf file is owned by root. # ls -lL /etc/nsswitch.conf If the file is not owned by root, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the owner of the /etc/nsswitch.conf file to root. # chown root /etc/nsswitch.conf

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