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CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.8 Ensure SSH root login is disabled

DevOps & Security
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Verify SSH PermitRootLogin is set to no to prevent direct root login over SSH

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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-v210-5-2-8/SKILL.md

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5.2.8 Ensure SSH root login is disabled (Scored)

Profile Applicability

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation

Description

The PermitRootLogin parameter specifies if the root user can log in using ssh(1). The default is no.

Rationale

Disallowing root logins over SSH requires system admins to authenticate using their own individual account, then escalating to root via sudo or su. This in turn limits opportunity for non-repudiation and provides a clear audit trail in the event of a security incident.

Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

grep "^PermitRootLogin" /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Expected Result

PermitRootLogin no

Remediation

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:

PermitRootLogin no

Default Value

PermitRootLogin no

References

  • CIS Controls: 5.8 - Administrators Should Not Directly Log In To A System (i.e. use RunAs/sudo)

Profile

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation