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The /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-226516 GEN001380 SV-226516r854412_rule Medium
Description
If the password file is writable by a group owner or the world, the risk of password file compromise is increased. The password file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information.
STIG Date
Solaris 10 SPARC Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-09-07

Details

Check Text ( C-28677r482936_chk )
Check the mode of the /etc/passwd file.

Procedure:
# ls -lL /etc/passwd

If /etc/passwd has a mode more permissive than 0644, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-28665r482937_fix)
Change the mode of the passwd file to 0644.

Procedure:
# chmod 0644 /etc/passwd

Document all changes.