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Ensure default user umask is configured

umask-default · RHEL ≥ 8 · 1 impl

Description

A restrictive default umask must be configured for all users.

Rationale

A permissive umask allows newly created files to be accessible to other users by default.

Check → Remediate

Checkcommand
# Check all sources where umask can be configured
found=0
for f in /etc/profile /etc/bashrc /etc/profile.d/*.sh; do
  if grep -qE '^\s*umask\s+0?[0-2][2-7]7' "$f" 2>/dev/null; then
    found=1
    break
  fi
done
# Also check /etc/login.defs UMASK
if grep -qE '^\s*UMASK\s+0?[0-2][2-7]7' /etc/login.defs 2>/dev/null; then
  found=1
fi
if [ "$found" -eq 0 ]; then
  echo "FAIL: No restrictive umask (027 or stricter) found"
  exit 1
fi
echo "OK: Restrictive umask configured"
expected_exit:
0
Remediatemanual
note:
Set umask 027 in /etc/profile, /etc/bashrc, or /etc/login.defs

Framework references

CIS

rhel9 5.4.3.3rhel8 5.4.3.3rhel10 5.4.3.3

STIG

V-258044 / RHEL-09-411025V-230383

NIST 800-53

AC-3AC-6(1)

Live verification

rhel10:checkrhel8:checkrhel9:check
#umask#defaults