The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root.

From HP-UX 11.23 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-000225

SV-38313r1_rule The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root.

Vulnerability discussion

The /etc/hosts file (or equivalent) configures local host name to IP address mappings that typically take precedence over DNS resolution. If this file is maliciously modified, it could cause the failure or compromise of security functions requiring name resolution, which may include time synchronization, centralized authentication, and remote system logging.

Check content

Fix text

Change the owner of the /etc/hosts file to root. # chown root /etc/hosts

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.