STIGQter: STIG Summary: Cloud Linux AlmaLinux OS 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

AlmaLinux OS 9 must enable kernel parameters to enforce discretionary access control on hardlinks.

DISA Rule

SV-269144r1050026_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-269144

Group Title

SRG-OS-000324-GPOS-00125

Rule Version

ALMA-09-007060

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-002235 - Prevent non-privileged users from executing privileged functions.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure AlmaLinux OS 9 to enable DAC on hardlinks with the following command:

$ echo "fs.protected_hardlinks = 1" > /etc/sysctl.d/60-hardlinks.conf

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

$ sysctl –system

Check Contents

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 is configured to enable DAC on hardlinks with the following command:

$ 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 that the configuration files are present to enable this kernel parameter:

$ /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysctl --cat-config | egrep -v '^(#|;)' | grep -F fs.protected_hardlinks | tail -1

fs.protected_hardlinks = 1

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

Vulnerability Number

V-269144

Documentable

False

Rule Version

ALMA-09-007060

Severity Override Guidance

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 is configured to enable DAC on hardlinks with the following command:

$ 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 that the configuration files are present to enable this kernel parameter:

$ /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysctl --cat-config | egrep -v '^(#|;)' | grep -F fs.protected_hardlinks | tail -1

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

5664