The /var/log/syslog file must be owned by syslog.

From Canonical Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001314

SV-90281r2_rule The /var/log/syslog file must be owned by syslog.

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 that the /var/log/syslog file is owned by syslog. Check that the /var/log/syslog file is owned by syslog with the following command: # ls -la /var/log/syslog | cut -d' ' -f3 syslog If "syslog" is not returned as a result, this is a finding.

Fix text

Change the owner of the file /var/log/syslog to syslog by running the following command: # sudo chown syslog /var/log/syslog

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