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RHEL-09-232270 RHEL 9 /etc/shadow file must have mode 0000 to prevent unauthorized access.

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 have mode 0000 to prevent unauthorized access.

Control

Verify that the "/etc/shadow" file has mode "0000" with the following command: $ sudo stat -c "%a %n" /etc/shadow 0 /etc/shadow If a value of "0" is not returned, 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 mode of the file "/etc/shadow" to "0000" by running the following command: $ sudo chmod 0000 /etc/shadow