The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0444 or less permissive.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-38469r1_rule The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0444 or less permissive.

Vulnerability discussion

If the passwd file is writable by a group owner or the world, the risk of passwd file compromise is increased. The passwd file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.

Check content

Check the mode of the /etc/passwd file. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/passwd If /etc/passwd has a mode more permissive than 0444, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the mode of the passwd file to 0444. # chmod 0444 /etc/passwd Document all changes.

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