AlmaLinux OS 9 /etc/shadow file must have mode 0000 to prevent unauthorized access.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269231SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-017180SV-269231r1050113_rule2025-02-201
Description
The "/etc/shadow" file contains the list of local system accounts and stores password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security. Failure to give ownership of this file to root provides the designated owner with access to sensitive information, which could weaken the system security posture.
ℹ️ Check
Verify that the "/etc/shadow" file has mode "0000" with the following command: $ stat -c "%a %n" /etc/shadow 0 /etc/shadow If a value of "0" is not returned, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Change the mode of the file "/etc/shadow" to "0000" by running the following command: $ chmod 0000 /etc/shadow