Any X Windows host must write .Xauthority files.

.Xauthority files ensure the user is authorized to access the specific X Windows host. If .Xauthority files are not used, it may be possible to obtain unauthorized access to the X Windows host.

If X Display Manager (XDM) is not used on the system, this is not applicable. Determine if XDM is running. Procedure: # ps -ef | grep xdm If X Display Manager (XDM) is not used on the system, this is not applicable. Determine if XDM is running. Procedure: # ps -ef | grep xdm Check for .Xauthority files being utilized by looking for such files in the home directory of a user that uses X. Procedure: # cd ~someuser # ls -la .Xauthority If the .Xauthority file does not exist, ask the SA if the user is using X Windows. If the user is utilizing X Windows and the .Xauthority file does not exist, this is a finding.

Ensure the X Windows host is configured to write .Xauthority files into user home directories. Edit the Xaccess file. Ensure the line that writes the .Xauthority file is uncommented.