cis-ubuntu1204-v110-7-4-5

name	cis-ubuntu1204-v110-7-4-5
description	Verify Permissions on /etc/hosts.deny
category	cis-os-hardening
version	1.1.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu",12.04,"linux","networking","tcp-wrappers","hosts-deny","permissions"]
cis_id	7.4.5
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

7.4.5 Verify Permissions on /etc/hosts.deny (Scored)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The /etc/hosts.deny file contains network information that is used by many system applications and therefore must be readable for these applications to operate.

Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the /etc/hosts.deny file is protected from unauthorized write access. Although it is protected by default, the file permissions could be changed either inadvertently or through malicious actions.

Audit Procedure

Using Command Line

Run the following command to determine the permissions on the /etc/hosts.deny file.

/bin/ls -l /etc/hosts.deny

Expected Result

-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 2055 Jan 30 16:30 /etc/hosts.deny

Remediation

Using Command Line

If the permissions of the /etc/hosts.deny file are incorrect, run the following command to correct them:

/bin/chmod 644 /etc/hosts.deny

Default Value

Permissions are 644 by default.

References

• CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

Profile

Level 1 - Scored