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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 6.2.5 Ensure root is the only UID 0 account

DevOps & Security
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Verify that only the root account has UID 0

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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-v210-6-2-5/SKILL.md

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6.2.5 Ensure root is the only UID 0 account (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation

Description

Any account with UID 0 has superuser privileges on the system.

Rationale

This access must be limited to only the default root account and only from the system console. Administrative access must be through an unprivileged account using an approved mechanism as noted in Item 5.6 Ensure access to the su command is restricted.

Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that only "root" is returned:

cat /etc/passwd | awk -F: '($3 == 0) { print $1 }'

Expected Result

root

Remediation

Remove any users other than root with UID 0 or assign them a new UID if appropriate.

Default Value

Only root has UID 0 by default.

References

None

CIS Controls

5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges - Minimize administrative privileges and only use administrative accounts when they are required. Implement focused auditing on the use of administrative privileged functions and monitor for anomalous behavior.

Profile

  • Level 1