5.1.6 Ensure permissions on /etc/cron.monthly are configured (Scored)
Profile Applicability
Level 1 - Server Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The /etc/cron.monthly
directory contains system cron jobs that need to run on a monthly basis. The files in this directory cannot be manipulated by the crontab
command, but are instead edited by system administrators using a text editor. The commands below restrict read/write and search access to user and group root, preventing regular users from accessing this directory.
Rationale
Granting write access to this directory for non-privileged users could provide them the means for gaining unauthorized elevated privileges. Granting read access to this directory could give an unprivileged user insight in how to gain elevated privileges or circumvent auditing controls.
Audit
Run the following command and verify Uid
and Gid
are both 0/root
and Access
does not grant permissions to group
or other
:
# stat /etc/cron.monthly Access: (0600/-rw-------) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)
Remediation
Run the following commands to set ownership and permissions on /etc/cron.weekly
:
# chown root:root /etc/cron.monthly # chmod og-rwx /etc/cron.monthly