Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECCD-2, ECCD-1

Associated with: CCI-000297

SV-35160r1_rule Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.

Vulnerability discussion

.Xauthority files ensure the user is authorized to access the specific X Windows host. If .Xauthority files are not used, it may be possible to obtain unauthorized access to the X Windows host.

Check content

Check for .Xauthority files being utilized by looking for such files in the home directory of a user using X. Get a list of (non-system account) users and the associated home directories. # cat /etc/passwd | cut -f 1,6 -d ":" Inspect individual user home directories for the .Xauthority file. # find -type f -name "\.Xauthority" -exec ls -lLa {} \; If the .Xauthority file does not exist, ask the SA if the user is using X Windows. If the user is utilizing X Windows and the .Xauthority file does not exist, this is a finding.

Fix text

Ensure the X Windows host is configured to write .Xauthority files into user home directories. Edit the file. Ensure the line writing the .Xauthority file is uncommented.

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