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

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.

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.

Change the group of the file /etc/shadow- to root by running the following command:

$ chgrp root /etc/shadow-