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

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-64553r1_rule The /etc/passwd file must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys.

Vulnerability discussion

The /etc/passwd file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification.

Check content

Check the group ownership of the passwd file. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/passwd If the file is not group-owned by root, bin or sys, this is a finding.

Fix text

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

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