The /etc/shadow file must have mode 0000.

From Oracle Linux 6 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-64963r1_rule The /etc/shadow file must have mode 0000.

Vulnerability discussion

The "/etc/shadow" file contains the list of local system accounts and stores password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security. Failure to give ownership of this file to root provides the designated owner with access to sensitive information which could weaken the system security posture.

Check content

To check the permissions of "/etc/shadow", run the command: $ ls -l /etc/shadow If properly configured, the output should indicate the following permissions: "----------" If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix text

To properly set the permissions of "/etc/shadow", run the command: # chmod 0000 /etc/shadow

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