cis-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1

name	cis-ubuntu1204-v110-12-1
description	Verify Permissions on /etc/passwd
category	cis-os-hardening
version	1.1.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu",12.04,"linux","file-permissions","passwd","access-control"]
cis_id	12.1
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

12.1 Verify Permissions on /etc/passwd (Scored)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The /etc/passwd file contains user account information that is used by many system utilities and therefore must be readable for these utilities to operate.

Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the /etc/passwd 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/passwd file:

/bin/ls -l /etc/passwd

Expected Result

-rw-r--r-- 1 root root <size> <date> /etc/passwd

Permissions should be 644 or more restrictive.

Remediation

Using Command Line

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

/bin/chmod 644 /etc/passwd

Default Value

644

References

• CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

Profile

Level 1 - Scored