The /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file must have mode 0400.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-37368r1_rule The /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file must have mode 0400.

Vulnerability discussion

The /etc/shadow file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification. The file also contains password hashes which must not be accessible to users other than root.

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Fix text

Change the mode of the /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file. # chmod 0400 /etc/shadow

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