1.1.13 Ensure separate partition exists for /home

Information

The /home directory is used to support disk storage needs of local users.

Rationale:

If the system is intended to support local users, create a separate partition for the /home
directory to protect against resource exhaustion and restrict the type of files that can be
stored under /home .

Solution

For new installations, during installation create a custom partition setup and specify a
separate partition for /home .
For systems that were previously installed, create a new partition and configure
/etc/fstab as appropriate.

Impact:

Resizing filesystems is a common activity in cloud-hosted servers. Separate filesystem
partitions may prevent successful resizing, or may require the installation of additional
tools solely for the purpose of resizing operations. The use of these additional tools may
introduce their own security considerations.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2420