RHEL 8 must define default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-230383 | RHEL-08-020351 | SV-230383r1017192_rule | CCI-000366 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| Setting the most restrictive default permissions ensures that when new accounts are created, they do not have unnecessary access. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-14 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-230383r1017192_chk)
Verify the operating system defines default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files.
Check for the value of the "UMASK" parameter in "/etc/login.defs" file with the following command:
Note: If the value of the "UMASK" parameter is set to "000" in "/etc/login.defs" file, the Severity is raised to a CAT I.
# grep -i umask /etc/login.defs
UMASK 077
If the value for the "UMASK" parameter is not "077", or the "UMASK" parameter is missing or is commented out, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-33027r567896_fix)
Configure the operating system to define default permissions for all authenticated users in such a way that the user can only read and modify their own files.
Add or edit the line for the "UMASK" parameter in "/etc/login.defs" file to "077":
UMASK 077