The following is a description of the elements, types, and attributes that compose generic UNIX tests found in Open Vulnerability and Assessment Language (OVAL). Each test is an extension of the standard test element defined in the Core Definition Schema. Through extension, each test inherits a set of elements and attributes that are shared amongst all OVAL tests. Each test is described in detail and should provide the information necessary to understand what each element and attribute represents. This document is intended for developers and assumes some familiarity with XML. A high level description of the interaction between the different tests and their relationship to the Core Definition Schema is not outlined here.
The OVAL Schema is maintained by The MITRE Corporation and developed by the public OVAL Community. For more information, including how to get involved in the project and how to submit change requests, please visit the OVAL website at http://oval.mitre.org.
The dnscache_test is used to check the time to live and IP addresses associated with a domain name. The time to live and IP addresses for a particular domain name are retrieved from the DNS cache on the local system. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a dnscache_object and the optional state element specifies the metadata to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The dnscache_object is used by the dnscache_test to specify the domain name(s) that should be collected from the DNS cache on the local system. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs domain_name oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The dnscache_state contains three entities that are used to check the domain name, time to live, and IP addresses associated with the DNS cache entry.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs domain_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 ttl oval-def:EntityStateIntType 0 1 ip_address oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The file test is used to check metadata associated with UNIX files, of the sort returned by either an ls command, stat command or stat() system call. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a file_object and the optional state element specifies the metadata to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The file_object element is used by a file test to define the specific file(s) to be evaluated. The file_object will collect all UNIX file types (directory, regular file, character device, block device, fifo, symbolic link, and socket). Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
A file object defines the path and filename of the file(s). In addition, a number of behaviors may be provided that help guide the collection of objects. Please refer to the FileBehaviors complex type for more information about specific behaviors.
The set of files to be evaluated may be identified with either a complete filepath or a path and filename. Only one of these options may be selected.
It is important to note that the 'max_depth' and 'recurse_direction' attributes of the 'behaviors' element do not apply to the 'filepath' element, only to the 'path' and 'filename' elements. This is because the 'filepath' element represents an absolute path to a particular file and it is not possible to recurse over a file.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs behaviors unix-def:FileBehaviors 0 1 filepath oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 path oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 filename oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The file_state element defines the different metadata associate with a UNIX file. This includes the path, filename, type, group id, user id, size, etc. In addition, the permission associated with the file are also included. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs filepath oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 path oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 filename oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 type oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 group_id oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 user_id oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 a_time oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 c_time oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 m_time oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 size oval-def:EntityStateIntType 0 1 suid oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 sgid oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 sticky oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 uread oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 uwrite oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 uexec oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 gread oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 gwrite oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 gexec oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 oread oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 owrite oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 oexec oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 has_extended_acl oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1
The FileBehaviors complex type defines a number of behaviors that allow a more detailed definition of the file_object being specified. Note that using these behaviors may result in some unique results. For example, a double negative type condition might be created where an object entity says include everything except a specific item, but a behavior is used that might then add that item back in.
It is important to note that the 'max_depth' and 'recurse_direction' attributes of the 'behaviors' element do not apply to the 'filepath' element, only to the 'path' and 'filename' elements. This is because the 'filepath' element represents an absolute path to a particular file and it is not possible to recurse over a file.
Attributes:
- max_depth n/a (optional -- default='-1') - recurse n/a (optional -- default='symlinks and directories') - recurse_direction n/a (optional -- default='none') - recurse_file_system n/a (optional -- default='all')
The inetd test is used to check information associated with different Internet services. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references an inetd_object and the optional state element specifies the information to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The inetd_object element is used by an inetd test to define the specific protocol-service to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
An inetd object consists of a protocol entity and a service_name entity that identifies the specific service to be tested.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs protocol oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 service_name oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The inetd_state element defines the different information associated with a specific Internet service. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs protocol oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 service_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 server_program oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 server_arguments oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 endpoint_type unix-def:EntityStateEndpointType 0 1 exec_as_user oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 wait_status unix-def:EntityStateWaitStatusType 0 1
The interface test enumerates various attributes about the interfaces on a system. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references an interface_object and the optional state element specifies the interface information to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The interface_object element is used by an interface test to define the specific interfaces(s) to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
An interface object consists of a single name entity that identifies which interface is being specified.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs name oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The interface_state element enumerates the different properties associate with a Unix interface. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 type unix-def:EntityStateInterfaceType 0 1 hardware_addr oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 inet_addr oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 broadcast_addr oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 netmask oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 flag oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
/etc/passwd. See passwd(4).
The password test is used to check metadata associated with the UNIX password file, of the sort returned by the passwd command. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a password_object and the optional state element specifies the metadata to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The password_object element is used by a password test to define the object to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
A password object consists of a single username entity that identifies the user whos passwords are to be evaluated.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs username oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The password_state element defines the different information associated with the system passwords. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs username oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 password oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 user_id oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 group_id oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 gcos oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 home_dir oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 login_shell oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The process test is used to check information found in the UNIX processes. It is equivalent to parsing the output of the ps command. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a process_object and the optional state element specifies the process information to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The process_object element is used by a process test to define the specific process(es) to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
A process object defines the command line used to start the process(s).
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs command oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The process_state element defines the different metadata associate with a UNIX process. This includes the command line, pid, ppid, priority, and user id. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs command oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 exec_time oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 pid oval-def:EntityStateIntType 0 1 ppid oval-def:EntityStateIntType 0 1 priority oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 scheduling_class oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 start_time oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 tty oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 user_id oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The runlevel test is used to check information about which runlevel specified service are scheduled to exist at. For more information see the output generated by a chkconfig --list. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a runlevel_object and the optional state element specifies the data to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The runlevel_object element is used by a runlevel_test to define the specific service(s)/runlevel combination to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs service_name oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 runlevel oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The runlevel_state element holds information about whether a specific service is schedule to start or kill at a given runlevel. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs service_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 runlevel oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 start oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 kill oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The set of files to be evaluated may be identified with either a complete filepath or a path and filename. Only one of these options may be selected.
It is important to note that the 'max_depth' and 'recurse_direction' attributes of the 'behaviors' element do not apply to the 'filepath' element, only to the 'path' and 'filename' elements. This is because the 'filepath' element represents an absolute path to a particular file and it is not possible to recurse over a file.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs behaviors unix-def:SccsBehaviors 0 1 filepath oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 path oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 filename oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs filepath oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 path oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 filename oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 module_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 module_type oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 release oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 level oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 branch oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 sequence oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 what_string oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The SccsBehaviors complex type defines a number of behaviors that allow a more detailed definition of the sccs_object being specified. Note that using these behaviors may result in some unique results. For example, a double negative type condition might be created where an object entity says include everything except a specific item, but a behavior is used that might then add that item back in.
It is important to note that the 'max_depth' and 'recurse_direction' attributes of the 'behaviors' element do not apply to the 'filepath' element, only to the 'path' and 'filename' elements. This is because the 'filepath' element represents an absolute path to a particular file and it is not possible to recurse over a file.
Attributes:
- max_depth n/a (optional -- default='-1') - recurse n/a (optional -- default='symlinks and directories') - recurse_direction n/a (optional -- default='none') - recurse_file_system n/a (optional -- default='all')
The shadow test is used to check information from the /etc/shadow file for a specific user. This file contains a user's password, but also their password aging and lockout information. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references an shadow_object and the optional state element specifies the information to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The shadow_object element is used by a shadow test to define the shadow file to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
A shdow object consists of a single user entity that identifies the username associted with the shadow file.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs username oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The shadows_state element defines the different information associated with the system shadow file. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs username oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 password oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 chg_lst oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 chg_allow oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 chg_req oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 exp_warn oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 exp_inact oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 exp_date oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 flag oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The uname test reveals information about the hardware the machine is running on. This information is the parsed equivalent of uname -a. For example: "Linux quark 2.6.5-7.108-default #1 Wed Aug 25 13:34:40 UTC 2004 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux" or "Darwin TestHost 7.7.0 Darwin Kernel Version 7.7.0: Sun Nov 7 16:06:51 PST 2004; root:xnu/xnu-517.9.5.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC Power Macintosh powerpc". It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references a uname_object and the optional state element specifies the metadata to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The uname_object element is used by an uname test to define those objects to evaluated based on a specified state. There is actually only one object relating to uname and this is the system as a whole. Therefore, there are no child entities defined. Any OVAL Test written to check uname will reference the same uname_object which is basically an empty object element.
The uname_state element defines the information about the hardware the machine is running one. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs machine_class oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 node_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 os_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 os_release oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 os_version oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 processor_type oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1
The xinetd test is used to check information associated with different Internet services. It extends the standard TestType as defined in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the TestType description for more information. The required object element references an inetd_object and the optional state element specifies the information to check. The evaluation of the test is guided by the check attribute that is inherited from the TestType.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs object oval-def:ObjectRefType 1 1 state oval-def:StateRefType 0 unbounded
The xinetd_object element is used by an xinetd test to define the specific protocol-service to be evaluated. Each object extends the standard ObjectType as definied in the oval-definitions-schema and one should refer to the ObjectType description for more information. The common set element allows complex objects to be created using filters and set logic. Again, please refer to the description of the set element in the oval-definitions-schema.
An xinetd object consists of a protocol entity and a service_name entity that identifies the specific service to be tested.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs protocol oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1 service_name oval-def:EntityObjectStringType 1 1
The xinetd_state element defines the different information associated with a specific Internet service. Please refer to the individual elements in the schema for more details about what each represents.
Child Elements Type MinOccurs MaxOccurs protocol oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 service_name oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 flags oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 no_access oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 only_from oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 port oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 server oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 server_arguments oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 socket_type oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 type unix-def:EntityXinetdTypeStatusType 0 1 user oval-def:EntityStateStringType 0 1 wait oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1 disabled oval-def:EntityStateBoolType 0 1
The EntityStateEndpointType complex type restricts a string value to a specific set of values that describe endpoint types associated with an Internet service. The empty string is also allowed to support empty emlement associated with variable references. Note that when using pattern matches and variables care must be taken to ensure that the regular expression and variable values align with the enumerated values.
Value Description stream
The stream value is used to describe a stream socket.
dgram
The dgram value is used to describe a datagram socket.
raw
The raw value is used to describe a raw socket.
seqpacket
The seqpacket value is used to describe a sequenced packet socket.
tli
The tli value is used to describe all TLI endpoints.
The empty string value is permitted here to allow for empty elements associated with variable references.
The EntityXinetdTypeStatusType complex type restricts a string value to five values, either RPC, INTERNAL, UNLISTED, TCPMUX, or TCPMUXPLUS that specify the type of service registered in xinetd. The empty string is also allowed to support empty emlement associated with variable references. Note that when using pattern matches and variables care must be taken to ensure that the regular expression and variable values align with the enumerated values.
Value Description INTERNAL
The INTERNAL type is used to describe services like echo, chargen, and others whose functionality is supplied by xinetd itself.
RPC
The RPC type is used to describe services that use remote procedure call ala NFS.
UNLISTED
The UNLISTED type is used to describe services that aren't listed in /etc/protocols or /etc/rpc.
TCPMUX
The TCPMUX type is used to describe services that conform to RFC 1078. This type indiciates that the service is responsible for handling the protocol handshake.
TCPMUXPLUS
The TCPMUXPLUS type is used to describe services that conform to RFC 1078. This type indicates that xinetd is responsible for handling the protocol handshake.
The empty string value is permitted here to allow for empty elements associated with variable references.
The EntityStateWaitStatusType complex type restricts a string value to two values, either wait or nowait, that specify whether the server that is invoked by inetd will take over the listening socket associated with the service, and whether once launched, inetd will wait for that server to exit, if ever, before it resumes listening for new service requests. The empty string is also allowed to support empty emlement associated with variable references. Note that when using pattern matches and variables care must be taken to ensure that the regular expression and variable values align with the enumerated values.
Value Description wait
The value of 'wait' specifies that the server that is invoked by inetd will take over the listening socket associated with the service, and once launched, inetd will wait for that server to exit, if ever, before it resumes listening for new service requests.
nowait
The value of 'nowait' specifies that the server that is invoked by inetd will not wait for any existing server to finish before taking over the listening socket associated with the service.
The empty string value is permitted here to allow for empty elements associated with variable references.
The EntityStateInterfaceType complex type restricts a string value to a specific set of values. These values describe the different interface types which are defined in 'if_arp.h'. The empty string is also allowed to support empty element associated with variable references. Note that when using pattern matches and variables care must be taken to ensure that the regular expression and variable values align with the enumerated values.
Value Description ARPHRD_ETHER
The ARPHRD_ETHER type is used to describe ethernet interfaces.
ARPHRD_FDDI
The ARPHRD_FDDI type is used to describe fiber distributed data interfaces (FDDI).
ARPHRD_LOOPBACK
The ARPHRD_LOOPBACK type is used to describe loopback interfaces.
ARPHRD_VOID
The ARPHRD_VOID type is used to describe unknown interfaces.
ARPHRD_PPP
The ARPHRD_PPP type is used to describe point-to-point protocol interfaces (PPP).
ARPHRD_SLIP
The ARPHRD_SLIP type is used to describe serial line internet protocol interfaces (SLIP).
ARPHRD_PRONET
The ARPHRD_PRONET type is used to describe PROnet token ring interfaces.
The empty string value is permitted here to allow for empty elements associated with variable references.