The system must prevent the root account from logging in from virtual consoles.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000770

SV-50293r1_rule The system must prevent the root account from logging in from virtual consoles.

Vulnerability discussion

Preventing direct root login to virtual console devices helps ensure accountability for actions taken on the system using the root account.

Check content

To check for virtual console entries which permit root login, run the following command: # grep '^vc/[0-9]' /etc/securetty If any output is returned, then root logins over virtual console devices is permitted. If root login over virtual console devices is permitted, this is a finding.

Fix text

To restrict root logins through the (deprecated) virtual console devices, ensure lines of this form do not appear in "/etc/securetty": vc/1 vc/2 vc/3 vc/4 Note: Virtual console entries are not limited to those listed above. Any lines starting with "vc/" followed by numerals should be removed.

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