All interactive user home directories defined in the /etc/passwd file must exist.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-37379r1_rule All interactive user home directories defined in the /etc/passwd file must exist.

Vulnerability discussion

If a user has a home directory defined that does not exist, the user may be given the / directory, by default, as the current working directory upon logon. This could create a Denial of Service because the user would not be able to perform useful tasks in this location.

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Fix text

If a user has no home directory, determine why. If possible, delete accounts without a home directory. If the account is valid, then create the home directory using the appropriate system administration utility or manually. For instance: mkdir directoryname; copy the skeleton files into the directory; chown accountname for the new directory and the skeleton files. Document all changes.

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