V-240495

Discussion

If the operating system were to allow any user to make changes to software libraries, then those changes might be implemented without undergoing the appropriate testing and approvals that are part of a robust change management process. This requirement applies to operating systems with software libraries that are accessible and configurable, as in the case of interpreted languages. Software libraries also include privileged programs which execute with escalated privileges. Only qualified and authorized individuals must be allowed to obtain access to information system components for purposes of initiating changes, including upgrades and modifications.

Check Content

Verify that that system executable files have root ownership with the following command:

ls -l /bin /sbin /usr/bin /usr/libexec /usr/local/bin /usr/local/sbin /usr/sbin

If any library files are not root owned, this is a finding.