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

From AIX 6.1 SECURITY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-40383r1_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.

Check content

Determine the owner of the ntp.conf file. # ls -l /etc/ntp.conf If the owner is not root, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the owner of the ntp.conf file. # chown root ntp.conf

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.