The /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file must have mode 0400.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-64573r1_rule The /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file must have mode 0400.

Vulnerability discussion

The /etc/shadow file contains the list of local system accounts. It is vital to system security and must be protected from unauthorized modification. The file also contains password hashes which must not be accessible to users other than root.

Check content

Check the mode of the /etc/shadow file. # ls -lL /etc/shadow If the /etc/shadow file has a mode more permissive than 0400, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the mode of the /etc/shadow (or equivalent) file. # chmod 0400 /etc/shadow

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