Rule version TOSS-05-000170 · STIG v1 · 2026-08-20
The "/etc/shadow-" file is a backup file of "/etc/shadow", and as such, contains the list of local system accounts and password hashes. Protecting this file is critical for system security.
Verify the group ownership of the "/etc/shadow-" file using the following command:
$ sudo 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 using the following command:
$ sudo chgrp root /etc/shadow-