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RHEL 9 /etc/shadow- file must be group-owned by root.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-257913 RHEL-09-232165 SV-257913r991589_rule Medium
Description
The "/etc/shadow-" file is a backup file of "/etc/shadow", and as such, contains the list of local system accounts and password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security.
STIG Date
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2024-06-04

Details

Check Text ( C-61654r925724_chk )
Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/shadow-" file with the following command:

$ sudo stat -c "%G %n" /etc/shadow-

root /etc/shadow-

If "/etc/shadow-" file does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-61578r925725_fix)
Change the group of the file /etc/shadow- to root by running the following command:

$ sudo chgrp root /etc/shadow-