Ensure access on /etc/passwd is configured

MediumLevel 1Automatedaix

Description

The /etc/passwd file contains a list of the users defined within the system. The /etc/passwd file defines all users within the system. Since the file contains sensitive information, it must be properly secured. Audit: compares `ls -ld` mode (this mode or more restrictive), owner and group with the CIS values; ACLs are not evaluated.

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

r=compliant; for f in /etc/passwd; do if [ -e "$f" ]; then set -- $(ls -ld "$f"); s=$(printf '%s %s %s\n' "$1" "$3" "$4" | awk -v m='rw-r--r--' -v o='root' -v g='security' '{ok=1; for(i=1;i<=9;i++) if(substr(m,i,1)=="-" && substr($1,i+1,1)!="-") ok=0; if(o!="" && $2 !~ ("^(" o ")$")) ok=0; if(g!="" && $3 !~ ("^(" g ")$")) ok=0; print (ok ? "ok" : $0)}'); [ "$s" = ok ] || r="$f: $s"; else r="$f: missing"; fi; done; echo "$r"

Expected output: compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Ensure correct ownership and permissions are in place for /etc/passwd: chown root:security /etc/passwd chmod u=rw,go=r /etc/passwd

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: aixpermissions
Reference: CIS IBM AIX 7 Benchmark v1.2.0 - 4.1.1.5 Ensure access on /etc/passwd is configured

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target aix