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Configure DNF to remove obsolete packages after updates

dnf-clean-requirements · RHEL ≥ 8 · 1 impl

Description

The DNF package manager must be configured to remove all software components after updated versions have been installed. The clean_requirements_on_remove option must be set to True in dnf.conf.

Rationale

Failing to remove outdated packages can leave old, potentially vulnerable software on the system. Configuring DNF to clean dependencies on removal reduces software bloat and removes obsolete packages that could be exploited.

Check → Remediate

Checkconfig_value
path:
/etc/dnf/dnf.conf
key:
clean_requirements_on_remove
expected:
True
Remediateconfig_set
path:
/etc/dnf/dnf.conf
key:
clean_requirements_on_remove
value:
True
separator:
=

Framework references

STIG

V-230281V-280942 / RHEL-10-200000V-257824 / RHEL-09-214035

NIST 800-53

CM-6SI-2

Live verification

rhel10:checkrhel8:checkrhel9:check
#dnf#package#updates#cleanup#stig