The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-64557r1_rule The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive.

Vulnerability discussion

If the passwd file is writable by a group-owner or the world, the risk of passwd file compromise is increased. The passwd file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.

Check content

Check the mode of the /etc/passwd file. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/passwd If /etc/passwd has a mode more permissive than 0644, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the mode of the passwd file to 0644. Procedure: # chmod 0644 /etc/passwd

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