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RHEL-09-232185 RHEL 9 /var/log/messages file must be group-owned by root.

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

Maps to SI-11 via CCI-001314

Title

RHEL 9 /var/log/messages file must be group-owned by root.

Control

Verify the "/var/log/messages" file is group-owned by root with the following command: $ stat -c "%G %n" /var/log/messages root /var/log/messages If "/var/log/messages" does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.

Discussion

Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify the RHEL 9 system or platform. Additionally, personally identifiable information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives. The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.

Related controls

CCI-001314

Fix

Change the group owner of the "/var/log/messages" file to "root" by running the following command: $ sudo chgrp root /var/log/messages