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0003-user-passwd-Host User Password Changed


Rule ID

  • 0003-user-passwd

Category

  • system

Level

  • warn

Compatible Versions

  • Linux

Description

  • Monitors whether the host user password has been changed

Scan Frequency

  • disable

Theoretical Basis

  • The /etc/shadow file is used to store password information for users in a Linux system and is also known as the "shadow file". The /etc/passwd file, which allows all users read access, can easily lead to password leaks. Therefore, Linux systems separate user password information from the /etc/passwd file and place it into this file. Only the root user has read permissions on the /etc/shadow file; other users have no permissions, ensuring the security of user passwords. If the permissions of this file change, it may indicate a potential malicious attack.

Risk Items

  • Hacker penetration

  • Data leakage

  • Network security

  • Mining risk

  • Botnet risk

Audit Method

  • Verify if /etc/shadow has been illegally modified. You can run the following command to check:
ls -l /etc/shadow

Remediation

  • If /etc/shadow has been illegally modified, carefully inspect the host environment to determine if it has been compromised and change the host user password.

Impact

  • None

Default Value

  • None

References

  • None

CIS Controls

  • None

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