Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-257869 RHEL-09-231140
RHEL 9 must mount /var with the nodev option.
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 "/var" is mounted with the "nodev" option: $ mount | grep /var /dev/mapper/rhel-var on /var type xfs (rw,nodev,nosuid,noexec,seclabel) If the "/var" file system is mounted without the "nodev" option, this is a finding.
Fix Action
Modify "/etc/fstab" to use the "nodev" option on the "/var" directory.