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

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269221SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-016080SV-269221r1050103_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 ownership of the "/etc/passwd-" file with the following command: $ stat -c "%U %n" /etc/passwd- root /etc/passwd- If "/etc/passwd-" file does not have an owner of "root", this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Change the owner of the file /etc/passwd- to root by running the following command: $ chown root /etc/passwd-