Cis Ubuntu1404 V210 6 1 7

---
name: "CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 6.1.7 Ensure permissions on /etc/shadow- are configured"
description: "Verify /etc/shadow- has correct ownership and permissions (640 or more restrictive)"
category: "cis-os-hardening"
version: "2.1.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - cis
  - ubuntu
  - ubuntu-14.04
  - level-1
  - scored
  - file-permissions
cis_id: "6.1.7"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0"
tech_stack:
  - ubuntu
  - linux
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: "high"
---

# 6.1.7 Ensure permissions on /etc/shadow- are configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `/etc/shadow-` file is used to store backup information about user accounts that is critical to the security of those accounts, such as the hashed password and other security information.

## Rationale

It is critical to ensure that the `/etc/shadow-` file is protected from unauthorized access. Although it is protected by default, the file permissions could be changed either inadvertently or through malicious actions.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify `Uid` is `0/root`, `Gid` is `0/root` or `<gid>/shadow`, and `Access` is `640` or more restrictive:

```bash
stat /etc/shadow-
```

## Expected Result

```
Access: (0640/-rw-r-----)  Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (   42/  shadow)
```

## Remediation

Run the one of the following chown commands as appropriate and the chmod to set permissions on `/etc/shadow-`:

```bash
chown root:root /etc/shadow-
chown root:shadow /etc/shadow-

chmod o-rwx,g-rw /etc/shadow-
```

## Default Value

Access: (0640/-rw-r-----) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 42/ shadow)

## References

None

## CIS Controls

16.14 Encrypt/Hash All Authentication Files And Monitor Their Access - Verify that all authentication files are encrypted or hashed and that these files cannot be accessed without root or administrator privileges. Audit all access to password files in the system.

## Profile

- Level 1