cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-3

DevOps & Security

Ensure permissions on SSH public host key files are configured

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CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 5.3.3

Description

An SSH public key is one of two files used in SSH public key authentication. In this authentication method, a public key is a key that can be used for verifying digital signatures generated using a corresponding private key. Only a public key that corresponds to a private key will be able to authenticate successfully.

Rationale

If a public host key file is modified by an unauthorized user, the SSH service may be compromised.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

Run the following command and verify Access does not grant write or execute permissions to group or other for all returned files:

find /etc/ssh -xdev -type f -name 'ssh_host_*_key.pub' -exec stat {} \;

Expected Result

  File: '/etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key.pub'
  Size: 382             Blocks: 8          IO Block: 4096   regular file
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--)  Uid: (    0/    root)  Gid: (    0/    root)
  File: '/etc/ssh/ssh_host_ecdsa_key.pub'
  Size: 162             Blocks: 8          IO Block: 4096   regular file
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--)  Uid: (    0/    root)  Gid: (    0/    root)
  File: '/etc/ssh/ssh_host_ed25519_key.pub'
  Size: 82              Blocks: 8          IO Block: 4096   regular file
Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--)  Uid: (    0/    root)  Gid: (    0/    root)

Remediation

Command Line

Run the following commands to set permissions and ownership on the SSH host public key files:

find /etc/ssh -xdev -type f -name 'ssh_host_*_key.pub' -exec chmod u-x,go-wx {} \;
find /etc/ssh -xdev -type f -name 'ssh_host_*_key.pub' -exec chown root:root {} \;

Default Value

Access: (0644/-rw-r--r--) Uid: ( 0/ root) Gid: ( 0/ root)

References

SSHD_CONFIG(5)

CIS Controls

Version 7

14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists - Protect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities.

Profile Applicability

Level 1 - Server
Level 1 - Workstation

Assessment Status

Automated