13.3 Verify No Legacy "+" Entries Exist in /etc/shadow File

Information

The character + in various files used to be markers for systems to insert data from NIS maps at a certain point in a system configuration file. These entries are no longer required on most systems, but may exist in files that have been imported from other platforms.
These entries may provide an avenue for attackers to gain privileged access on the system.

Solution

Delete these entries if they exist.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/91

Item Details

Category: IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION

References: 800-53|IA-2

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 7062f44ef29cba371f6aabdc286d584473cfd733b703c5073f82509c12e7d058