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Desk

RHEL-10-400060 RHEL 10 must be configured so that the "/etc/shadow" file is owned by "root".

DISA STIG library V1R3
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

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