RHEL-10-400060 RHEL 10 must be configured so that the "/etc/shadow" file is owned by "root".
All changes in this version
Maps to AC-3 via CCI-000213
Title
RHEL 10 must be configured so that the "/etc/shadow" file is owned by "root".
Control
Verify RHEL 10 is configured so that the "/etc/shadow" file is owned by "root" with the following command: $ sudo stat -c "%U %n" /etc/shadow root /etc/shadow If the "/etc/shadow" file does not have an owner of "root", this is a finding.
Discussion
The "/etc/shadow" file contains the list of local system accounts and stores password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security. Failure to give ownership of this file to "root" provides the designated owner with access to sensitive information, which could weaken the system security posture.
Related controls
CCI-000213
Fix
Configure RHEL 10 so that the owner of the "/etc/shadow" file is set to "root" by running the following command: $ sudo chown root /etc/shadow