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The OL 8 "/var/log/messages" file must have mode 0640 or less permissive.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-248554 OL08-00-010210 SV-248554r779228_rule Medium
Description
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 OL 8 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.
STIG Date
Oracle Linux 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-12-06

Details

Check Text ( C-51988r779226_chk )
Verify that the "/var/log/messages" file has mode "0640" or less permissive with the following command:

$ sudo stat -c "%a %n" /var/log/messages

640 /var/log/messages

If a value of "0640" or less permissive is not returned, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-51942r779227_fix)
Change the permissions of the file "/var/log/messages" to "0640" by running the following command:

$ sudo chmod 0640 /var/log/messages