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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.1.7 Ensure permissions on /etc/cron.d are configured

DevOps & Security
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Verify /etc/cron.d ownership and permissions are restricted to root with no group/other access

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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-v210-5-1-7/SKILL.md

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5.1.7 Ensure permissions on /etc/cron.d are configured (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation

Description

The /etc/cron.d directory contains system cron jobs that need to run in a similar manner to the hourly, daily, weekly and monthly jobs from /etc/crontab, but require more granular control as to when they run. 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 Procedure

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.d

Expected Result

Access: (0700/-rw-------)  Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (    0/    root)

Remediation

Run the following commands to set ownership and permissions on /etc/cron.d:

chown root:root /etc/cron.d
chmod og-rwx /etc/cron.d

Default Value

Not configured by default.

References

  • CIS Controls: 5.1 - Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges

Profile

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation