Detections
Analytics

6.2.3.3 Ensure /var/log/messages owner is configured

Information

The "/var/log/messages" file must be owned by root.

Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify the operating system or platform. Additionally, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives.

The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.

Solution

Change the owner of the file /var/log/messages to root by running the following command:

# chown root /var/log/messages

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/19886

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL, MEDIA PROTECTION, SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|AC-3, 800-53|AC-5, 800-53|AC-6, 800-53|MP-2, 800-53|SI-11b., CAT|II, CSCv7|14.6, Rule-ID|SV-230246r627750_rule, STIG-ID|RHEL-08-010220, Vuln-ID|V-230246

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 786a34fcd9af1577dd13aa47253c40b4f252d1cc9978507c911f9e7bbd5aa452