AlmaLinux OS 9 /var/log/messages file must have mode 0640 or less permissive.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269446SRG-OS-000206-GPOS-00084ALMA-09-044240SV-269446r1050329_rule2025-02-201
Description
Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify the AlmaLinux OS 9 system or platform. Additionally, personally identifiable information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives. The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.
ℹ️ Check
Verify the "/var/log/messages" file has a mode of "0640" or less permissive with the following command: $ stat -c "%U:%G %#a %n" /var/log/messages root:root 0600 /var/log/messages If "/var/log/messages" does not have a mode of "0640" or less permissive, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Configure the "/var/log/messages" file to have a mode of "0640" by running the following command: $ chmod 0640 /var/log/messages