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The /etc/hosts file must be owned by root.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-22323 GEN001366 SV-26410r1_rule ECLP-1 Medium
Description
The /etc/hosts file (or equivalent) configures local host name to IP address mappings that typically take precedence over DNS resolution. If this file is maliciously modified, it could cause the failure or compromise of security functions requiring name resolution, which may include time synchronization, centralized authentication, and remote system logging.
STIG Date
SOLARIS 9 X86 SECURITY TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 2015-10-01

Details

Check Text ( C-27492r1_chk )
Verify the /etc/hosts file is owned by root.

Procedure:
# ls -l /etc/hosts
If the file is not owned by root, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-23597r1_fix)
Change the owner of the /etc/hosts file to root.

# chown root /etc/hosts