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RHEL-09-232150 RHEL 9 /etc/shadow file must be owned by root.

DISA STIG library V2R10
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

Maps to CM-6 via CCI-000366

Title

RHEL 9 /etc/shadow file must be owned by root.

Control

Verify the ownership of the "/etc/shadow" file with the following command: $ sudo stat -c "%U %n" /etc/shadow root /etc/shadow If "/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-000366

Fix

Change the owner of the file /etc/shadow to root by running the following command: $ sudo chown root /etc/shadow