The /var/log/syslog file must be group-owned by adm.

From Canonical Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001314

SV-90279r2_rule The /var/log/syslog file must be group-owned by adm.

Vulnerability discussion

Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify the Ubuntu operating system or platform. Additionally, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives.The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.

Check content

Verify the "/var/log/syslog" file is group-owned by "adm". Check that "/var/log/syslog" is group-owned by "adm" with the following command: # ls -la /var/log/syslog | cut -d' ' -f4 adm If "adm" is not returned as a result, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the group of the file "/var/log/syslog" to "adm" by running the following command: # sudo chgrp adm /var/log/syslog

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