RHEL-09-232165 RHEL 9 /etc/shadow- file must be group-owned by root.
DISA STIG library V2R10
All changes in this version
All changes in this version
Maps to CM-6 via CCI-000366
Title
RHEL 9 /etc/shadow- file must be group-owned by root.
Control
Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/shadow-" file with the following command: $ sudo stat -c "%G %n" /etc/shadow- root /etc/shadow- If "/etc/shadow-" file does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.
Discussion
The "/etc/shadow-" file is a backup file of "/etc/shadow", and as such, contains the list of local system accounts and password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security.
Related controls
CCI-000366
Fix
Change the group of the file /etc/shadow- to root by running the following command: $ sudo chgrp root /etc/shadow-