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Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-850 GEN005160 SV-850r2_rule ECCD-1 ECCD-2 Medium
Description
.Xauthority files ensure the user is authorized to access the specific X Windows host. If .Xauthority files are not used, it may be possible to obtain unauthorized access to the X Windows host.
STIG Date
VMware ESX 3 Server 2016-05-13

Details

Check Text ( C-718r2_chk )
Check for .Xauthority files being utilized by looking for such files in the home directory of a user that uses X.

Procedure:
# cd ~someuser
# ls -la .Xauthority

If the .Xauthority file does not exist, ask the SA if the user is using X Windows. If the user is utilizing X Windows and the .Xauthority file does not exist, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-1004r2_fix)
Ensure the X Windows host is configured to write .Xauthority files into user home directories. Edit the Xaccess file. Ensure the line that writes the .Xauthority file is uncommented.