The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must have mode 0640 or less permissive.

From AIX 6.1 SECURITY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-40384r1_rule The time synchronization configuration file (such as /etc/ntp.conf) must have mode 0640 or less permissive.

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 protected, unauthorized modifications could result in the failure of time synchronization.

Check content

Determine the mode of the ntp.conf file. # ls -l /etc/ntp.conf If the mode is more permissive than 0640, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the mode of the ntp.conf file to 0640 or less permissive. # chmod 0640 /etc/ntp.conf

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