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

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-64563r1_rule The /etc/group file must be group-owned by root, bin, or sys.

Vulnerability discussion

The /etc/group file is critical to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification. The group file contains a list of system groups and associated information.

Check content

Check the group ownership of the /etc/group file. Procedure: # ls -lL /etc/group 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/group file. Procedure: # chgrp root /etc/group

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