AlmaLinux OS 9 /etc/passwd file must have mode 0644 or less permissive to prevent unauthorized access.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269225SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-016520SV-269225r1050107_rule2025-02-201
Description
If the "/etc/passwd" file is writable by a group-owner or the world the risk of its compromise is increased. The file contains the list of accounts on the system and associated information, and protection of this file is critical for system security.
ℹ️ Check
Verify that the "/etc/passwd" file has mode "0644" or less permissive with the following command: $ stat -c "%#a %n" /etc/passwd 0644 /etc/passwd If a value of "0644" or less permissive is not returned, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Change the mode of the file "/etc/passwd" to "0644" by running the following command: $ chmod 0644 /etc/passwd