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cis-ubuntu1804-v220-2-1-3-2

DevOps & Security
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Ensure systemd-timesyncd is enabled and running

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike/blob/HEAD/.cyberstrike/skill/CIS_benchmarks/Operating_Systems/Ubuntu/CIS_Ubuntu_Linux_18.04_LTS_Benchmark_v2.2.0/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-2-1-3-2/SKILL.md

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2.1.3.2 Ensure systemd-timesyncd is enabled and running (Manual)

Profile

  • Level 1 - Server
  • Level 1 - Workstation

Description

systemd-timesyncd is a daemon that has been added for synchronizing the system clock across the network.

Rationale

systemd-timesyncd needs to be enabled and running in order to synchronize the system to a timeserver.

Time synchronization is important to support time sensitive security mechanisms and to ensure log files have consistent time records across the enterprise to aid in forensic investigations.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

IF systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is enabled:

# systemctl is-enabled systemd-timesyncd.service
enabled

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is active:

# systemctl is-active systemd-timesyncd.service
active

Expected Result

  • systemctl is-enabled systemd-timesyncd.service returns enabled
  • systemctl is-active systemd-timesyncd.service returns active

Remediation

Command Line

IF systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to unmask systemd-timesyncd.service:

# systemctl unmask systemd-timesyncd.service

Run the following command to enable and start systemd-timesyncd.service:

# systemctl --now enable systemd-timesyncd.service

OR

If another time synchronization service is in use on the system, run the following command to stop and mask systemd-timesyncd:

# systemctl --now mask systemd-timesyncd.service

References

  1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-7, AU-8

CIS Controls

  • v8: 8.4 - Standardize Time Synchronization
  • v7: 6.1 - Utilize Three Synchronized Time Sources