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The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0444 or less permissive.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-798 GEN001380 SV-38469r1_rule ECLP-1 Medium
Description
If the passwd file is writable by a group owner or the world, the risk of passwd file compromise is increased. The passwd file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.
STIG Date
HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2018-03-01

Details

Check Text ( C-36331r1_chk )
Check the mode of the /etc/passwd file.

Procedure:
# ls -lL /etc/passwd

If /etc/passwd has a mode more permissive than 0444, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-31586r1_fix)
Change the mode of the passwd file to 0444.
# chmod 0444 /etc/passwd

Document all changes.