The graphical display manager must not be the default target on AlmaLinux OS 9 unless approved.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269206SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-014320SV-269206r1050088_rule2025-02-201
Description
Unnecessary service packages must not be installed to decrease the attack surface of the system. Graphical display managers have a long history of security vulnerabilities and must not be used, unless approved and documented.
ℹ️ Check
Verify that AlmaLinux OS 9 is configured to boot to the command line: $ systemctl get-default multi-user.target If the system default target is not set to "multi-user.target" and the information system security officer (ISSO) lacks a documented requirement for a graphical user interface, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Document the requirement for a graphical user interface with the ISSO or set the default target to multi-user with the following command: $ systemctl set-default multi-user.target