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

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269226SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-016630SV-269226r1050108_rule2025-02-201
Description
The "/etc/shadow-" file is a backup file of "/etc/shadow", and as such, contains the list of local system accounts and password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security.
ℹ️ Check
Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/shadow-" file with the following command: $ stat -c "%G %n" /etc/shadow- root /etc/shadow- If "/etc/shadow-" file does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Change the group of the file /etc/shadow- to root by running the following command: $ chgrp root /etc/shadow-