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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 1.1.5 Ensure separate partition exists for /var

DevOps & Security
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Ensure a separate partition exists for /var to prevent resource exhaustion

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike/blob/HEAD/.cyberstrike/skill/CIS_benchmarks/Operating_Systems/Ubuntu/CIS_Ubuntu_Linux_14.04_LTS_Benchmark_v2.1.0/cis-ubuntu1404-v210-1-1-5/SKILL.md

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1.1.5 Ensure separate partition exists for /var (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 2 - Server
  • Level 2 - Workstation

Description

The /var directory is used by daemons and other system services to temporarily store dynamic data. Some directories created by these processes may be world-writable.

Rationale

Since the /var directory may contain world-writable files and directories, there is a risk of resource exhaustion if it is not bound to a separate partition.

Audit Procedure

mount | grep /var
# Expected output: /dev/xvdg1 on /var type ext4 (rw,relatime,data=ordered)

Expected Result

Verify output shows /var is mounted on a separate partition.

Remediation

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

Default Value

By default, /var is not mounted on a separate partition.

References

Profile

  • Level 2