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Files executed through a mail aliases file must be owned by root and must reside within a directory owned and writable only by root.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-240436 VRAU-SL-000575 SV-240436r671049_rule Medium
Description
If a file executed through a mail aliases file is not owned and writable only by root, it may be subject to unauthorized modification. Unauthorized modification of files executed through aliases may allow unauthorized users to attain root privileges.
STIG Date
VMware vRealize Automation 7.x SLES Security Technical Implementation Guide 2023-09-22

Details

Check Text ( C-43669r671047_chk )
Verify the ownership of files referenced within the sendmail aliases file:

# more /etc/aliases

Examine the aliases file for any directories or paths used:

# ls -lL

Check the owner for any paths referenced.

If the file or parent directory is not owned by "root", this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-43628r671048_fix)
Edit the /etc/aliases file (alternatively, /usr/lib/sendmail.cf). Locate the entries executing a program. They will appear similar to the following line:

Aliasname: : /usr/local/bin/ls (or some other program name)

Ensure "root" owns the programs and the directory or directories they reside in by using the "chown" command to change owner to "root":

# chown root