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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.9 Ensure FTP Server is not enabled

DevOps & Security
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Verify that vsftpd FTP server is disabled when not required

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How to use this skill

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike/blob/HEAD/.cyberstrike/skill/CIS_benchmarks/Operating_Systems/Ubuntu/CIS_Ubuntu_Linux_14.04_LTS_Benchmark_v2.1.0/cis-ubuntu1404-v210-2-2-9/SKILL.md

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2.2.9 Ensure FTP Server is not enabled (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation

Description

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) provides networked computers with the ability to transfer files.

Rationale

FTP does not protect the confidentiality of data or authentication credentials. It is recommended sftp be used if file transfer is required. Unless there is a need to run the system as a FTP server (for example, to allow anonymous downloads), it is recommended that the package be deleted to reduce the potential attack surface.

Audit Procedure

Run the following commands to verify no start conditions listed for vsftpd:

initctl show-config vsftpd

Verify the output shows vsftpd with no start conditions.

Expected Result

The vsftpd service should have no start conditions listed.

Remediation

Remove or comment out start lines in /etc/init/vsftpd.conf:

#start on runlevel [2345] or net-device-up IFACE!=lo

Note: Additional FTP servers also exist and should be audited.

Default Value

FTP server is not enabled by default.

References

  • CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services

Profile

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation