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

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-269223SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227ALMA-09-016300SV-269223r1050105_rule2026-02-271

Description

The "/etc/passwd" file contains information about the users that are configured on the system. Protection of this file is critical for system security.

ℹ️ Check

Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/passwd" file with the following command: $ stat -c "%G %n" /etc/passwd root /etc/passwd If "/etc/passwd" file does not have a group owner of "root", this is a finding.

✔️ Fix

Change the group of the file /etc/passwd to root by running the following command: $ chgrp root /etc/passwd