Description

To properly set the owner of /etc/motd, run the command:

$ sudo chown root /etc/motd 

Rationale

Display of a standardized and approved use notification before granting access to the operating system ensures privacy and security notification verbiage used is consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance.

Proper ownership will ensure that only root user can modify the banner.

Remediation

Shell script

The following script can be run on the host to remediate the issue.

#!/bin/bash

chown -L 0 /etc/motd

Ansible playbook

The following playbook can be run with Ansible to remediate the issue.

- name: Test for existence /etc/motd
  stat:
    path: /etc/motd
  register: file_exists
  tags:
  - configure_strategy
  - file_owner_etc_motd
  - low_complexity
  - low_disruption
  - medium_severity
  - no_reboot_needed

- name: Ensure owner 0 on /etc/motd
  file:
    path: /etc/motd
    owner: '0'
  when: file_exists.stat is defined and file_exists.stat.exists
  tags:
  - configure_strategy
  - file_owner_etc_motd
  - low_complexity
  - low_disruption
  - medium_severity
  - no_reboot_needed