The system must restrict the ability to switch to the root user to members of a defined group.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000009

SV-37345r1_rule The system must restrict the ability to switch to the root user to members of a defined group.

Vulnerability discussion

Configuring a supplemental group for users permitted to switch to the root user prevents unauthorized users from accessing the root account, even with knowledge of the root credentials.

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Fix text

Edit /etc/pam.d/su and uncomment or add a line such as "auth required pam_wheel.so". If necessary, create a "wheel" group and add administrative users to the group.

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