Vulnerability Discussion

The "/etc/shadow" file contains the list of local system accounts and stores password hashes. Protection of this file is critical for system security.

Failure to give ownership of this file to root provides the designated owner with access to sensitive information, which could weaken the system security posture.

Check

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.

Fix

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

$ chgrp root /etc/shadow