AlmaLinux OS 9 /etc/passwd- file must be group-owned by root.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269220SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-015970SV-269220r1050102_rule2025-02-201
Description
The "/etc/passwd-" file is a backup file of "/etc/passwd", and as such, contains information about the users that are configured on the system. Protection of this file is critical for system security.
ℹ️ Check
Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/passwd-" file with the following command: $ stat -c "%G %n" /etc/passwd- root /etc/passwd- If "/etc/passwd-" file does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Change the group of the file /etc/passwd- to root by running the following command: $ chgrp root /etc/passwd-