AlmaLinux OS 9 must define default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files.

Setting the most restrictive default permissions ensures that when new accounts are created they do not have unnecessary access.

With a UMASK of 077, files will be created with 0600 permissions (owner read/write only) and directories will have 0700 permissions (owner read/write/execute only).

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 defines default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files with the following command:

Note: If the value of the "UMASK" parameter is set to "000" in the "/etc/login.defs" file, the severity is raised to a CAT I.

$ grep UMASK /etc/login.defs

UMASK 077

If the value for the "UMASK" parameter is not "077", or the "UMASK" parameter is missing or is commented out, this is a finding.

Configure AlmaLinux OS 9 to define default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files.

Add or edit the lines for the "UMASK" parameter in the "/etc/login.defs" file to "077":

UMASK 077