The /etc/nsswitch.conf file must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-37330r1_rule The /etc/nsswitch.conf file must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys.

Vulnerability discussion

The nsswitch.conf file (or equivalent) configures the source of a variety of system security information including account, group, and host lookups. Malicious changes could prevent the system from functioning or compromise system security.

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Change the group-owner of the /etc/nsswitch.conf file to root, bin or sys. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/nsswitch.conf

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