To properly set the permissions of '/etc/passwd', run the command:
[perm_644]
If the '/etc/passwd' file is writable by a group-owner or the
world the risk of its compromise is increased. The file contains the list of
accounts on the system and associated information, and protection of this file
is critical for system security.
oval:org.secpod.oval:def:31312
oval:org.secpod.oval:def:30589
SCAP Repo OVAL Definition
2015-11-13