Cis AWS Compute 5.6

5.6 Disable IPv6 Networking if not in use within your organization (Manual)

Description

Any protocols enable within Lightsail by default that aren't being used should be disabled.

Rationale

Any ports enable within Lightsail by default are open and exposed to the world. This can result in outside traffic trying to access or even deny access to the Lightsail instances. Removing and disabling a protocol when not in use even if restricted by IP address is the safest solution especially when it is not required for access.

Impact

N/A

Audit Procedure

Using AWS Console

1. Login to AWS Console using https://console.aws.amazon.com
2. Click All services, click Lightsail under Compute.
3. This will open up the Lightsail console.
4. Select the Windows or Linux Instance you want to review.
5. Go to the Networking section.
6. Under IPv6 networking confirm that it reads IPv6 networking is disabled.
7. If it reads IPv6 networking is enabled refer to the remediation below.

Using AWS CLI

N/A - This setting is managed through the AWS Console.

Expected Result

IPv6 networking should be disabled on Lightsail instances when not in use within the organization.

Remediation

Using AWS Console

1. Login to AWS Console using https://console.aws.amazon.com
2. Click All services, click Lightsail under Compute.
3. This will open up the Lightsail console.
4. Select the Windows or Linux Instance you want to review.
5. Go to the Networking section.
6. Under IPv6 networking click on the check mark next to IPv6 networking is enabled.
7. In the Disable IPv6 for this instance?
8. Click on Yes, disable

Using AWS CLI

N/A - This setting is managed through the AWS Console.

Default Value

IPv6 networking is enabled by default on new Lightsail instances.

References

N/A

CIS Controls

Profile

Level 1 | Manual