Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-257850 RHEL-09-231045
RHEL 9 must prevent device files from being interpreted on file systems that contain user home directories.
Discussion
The "nodev" mount option causes the system to not interpret character or block special devices. Executing character or block special devices from untrusted file systems increases the opportunity for nonprivileged users to attain unauthorized administrative access. The only legitimate location for device files is the "/dev" directory located on the root partition, with the exception of chroot jails if implemented.
Check Procedure
Verify "/home" is mounted with the "nodev" option with the following command: Note: If a separate file system has not been created for the user home directories (user home directories are mounted under "/"), this is automatically a finding, as the "nodev" option cannot be used on the "/" system. $ mount | grep /home tmpfs on /home type xfs (rw,nodev,nosuid,noexec,seclabel) If the "/home" file system is mounted without the "nodev" option, this is a finding.
Fix Action
Modify "/etc/fstab" to use the "nodev" option on the "/home" directory.