File_permission_user_init_files_root Is Misaligned With DISA

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Introduction

In the realm of system hardening and compliance, ensuring that system configurations align with external content is crucial. However, discrepancies can arise, leading to non-compliance and potential security risks. This article highlights a specific issue where the file permission user init files root is misaligned with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) content. We will delve into the details of this misalignment, its impact on the RHEL 9 STIG, and the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

Description of Problem

The content is misaligned with an external (third-party) content that targets the same policy. This misalignment means that a system hardened by our content does not pass the scan by the external content. The external content in question is from DISA, a renowned authority in system hardening and compliance.

Details

The misalignment affects the RHEL 9 STIG, a critical security standard for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. The specific rule affected is file_permission_user_init_files_root. This rule is designed to ensure that the home directories of non-system users have a mode of 0740 or less permissive.

OVAL Test Failing

The OVAL (Open Vulnerability and Assessment Language) test that is failing is as follows:

<h4><span class="label label-primary">The home directories of non-system users have mode 0740 or less permissive.</span> 
        <span class="label label-default">oval:mil.disa.stig.unix:tst:23032500</span> 
        <span class="label label-danger">false</span></h4><h5>No items have been found conforming to the following objects:</h5><h5>Object <strong><abbr title="local initialization files of non-system users.">oval:mil.disa.stig.unix:obj:23032500</abbr></strong> of type
                <strong>file_object</strong></h5>
Path | Filename
-- | --
/ | ^\.[^\s\.]+

Outcome

The outcome of this misalignment is twofold:

  • Improvement Needed: Our project's content can be improved to align with the DISA content. This can be achieved by revising the check and remediation to ensure compliance with the DISA standard.
  • Faulty External Content: The external content's check may be faulty, and the other party needs to be notified to rectify the issue.

SCAP Security Guide Version

The SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) Security Guide Version is f5f543d16c73513163581c9a8844a5822661081d.

External Content's Version

The external content's version is also f5f543d16c73513163581c9a8844a5822661081d.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the file permission user init files root is misaligned with the DISA content, affecting the RHEL 9 STIG. To rectify this situation, we need to improve our project's content to align with the DISA standard or notify the external content provider to rectify their check. By doing so, we can ensure that our system configurations align with external content and maintain compliance with critical security standards.

Recommendations

To address this misalignment, we recommend the following:

  • Review and Revise Check: Review the check for file_permission_user_init_files_root and revise it to ensure compliance with the DISA standard.
  • Revise Remediation: Revise the remediation for file_permission_user_init_files_root to ensure that it aligns with the DISA standard.
  • Notify External Content Provider: Notify the external content provider to rectify their check and ensure that their content aligns with the DISA standard.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the issue of file permission user init files root being misaligned with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) content. This misalignment affects the RHEL 9 STIG and can lead to non-compliance and potential security risks. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What is the DISA content, and why is it important?

A: The DISA content is a set of security standards and guidelines developed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). It is designed to ensure the security and integrity of systems and networks used by the US Department of Defense. The DISA content is important because it provides a framework for system hardening and compliance, ensuring that systems meet the required security standards.

Q: What is the RHEL 9 STIG, and how is it affected by the misalignment?

A: The RHEL 9 STIG is a security standard for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. It is designed to ensure that systems meet the required security standards and guidelines. The misalignment between our content and the DISA content affects the RHEL 9 STIG, specifically the rule file_permission_user_init_files_root. This rule is designed to ensure that the home directories of non-system users have a mode of 0740 or less permissive.

Q: What is the OVAL test that is failing, and what does it mean?

A: The OVAL test that is failing is as follows:

<h4><span class="label label-primary">The home directories of non-system users have mode 0740 or less permissive.</span> 
        <span class="label label-default">oval:mil.disa.stig.unix:tst:23032500</span> 
        <span class="label label-danger">false</span></h4><h5>No items have been found conforming to the following objects:</h5><h5>Object <strong><abbr title="local initialization files of non-system users.">oval:mil.disa.stig.unix:obj:23032500</abbr></strong> of type
                <strong>file_object</strong></h5>
Path | Filename
-- | --
/ | ^\.[^\s\.]+

This OVAL test is failing because our content does not meet the required security standards for the home directories of non-system users.

Q: What are the possible solutions to this misalignment?

A: There are two possible solutions to this misalignment:

  • Improve our content: We can improve our content to align with the DISA content by revising the check and remediation for file_permission_user_init_files_root.
  • Notify the external content provider: We can notify the external content provider to rectify their check and ensure that their content aligns with the DISA standard.

Q: What are the benefits of aligning our content with the DISA standard?

A: Aligning our content with the DISA standard provides several benefits, including:

  • Improved security: By aligning our content with the DISA standard, we can ensure that our systems meet the required security standards and guidelines.
  • Compliance: Aligning our content with the DISA standard ensures that our systems comply with the required security standards and guidelines.
  • Reduced risk: By aligning our content with the DISA standard, we can reduce the risk of security breaches and non-compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the file permission user init files root is misaligned with the DISA content, affecting the RHEL 9 STIG. To rectify this situation, we need to improve our content to align with the DISA standard or notify the external content provider to rectify their check. By doing so, we can ensure that our system configurations align with external content and maintain compliance with critical security standards.