The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be owned by root.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-37415r1_rule The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must be owned by root.

Vulnerability discussion

A synchronized system clock is critical for the enforcement of time-based policies and the correlation of logs and audit records with other systems. If an illicit time source is used for synchronization, the integrity of system logs and the security of the system could be compromised. If the configuration files controlling time synchronization are not owned by a system account, unauthorized modifications could result in the failure of time synchronization.

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Fix text

Change the owner of the NTP configuration file. # chown root /etc/ntp.conf

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