STIGQter: STIG Summary: Oracle Linux 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

OL 8 must enable kernel parameters to enforce Discretionary Access Control (DAC) on hardlinks.

DISA Rule

SV-248578r1156621_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-248578

Group Title

SRG-OS-000312-GPOS-00122

Rule Version

OL08-00-010374

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-002165 - Enforce organization-defined discretionary access control policies over defined subjects and objects.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure OL 8 to enable DAC on hardlinks with the following:

Add or edit the following line in a system configuration file in the "/etc/sysctl.d/" directory:

fs.protected_hardlinks = 1

Load settings from all system configuration files with the following command:

$ sudo sysctl --system

Check Contents

Verify OL 8 is configured to enable DAC on hardlinks.

Check the status of the fs.protected_hardlinks kernel parameter with the following command:

$ sudo sysctl fs.protected_hardlinks
fs.protected_hardlinks = 1

If "fs.protected_hardlinks" is not set to "1" or is missing, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-248578

Documentable

False

Rule Version

OL08-00-010374

Severity Override Guidance

Verify OL 8 is configured to enable DAC on hardlinks.

Check the status of the fs.protected_hardlinks kernel parameter with the following command:

$ sudo sysctl fs.protected_hardlinks
fs.protected_hardlinks = 1

If "fs.protected_hardlinks" is not set to "1" or is missing, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5416