# Cis GCP Cos 5.1.12

> Ensure SSH PermitUserEnvironment is disabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-12` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-12`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-12/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-12

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# 5.1.12 Ensure SSH PermitUserEnvironment is disabled (Automated)

## Description

The `PermitUserEnvironment` option allows users to present environment options to the `ssh` daemon.

## Rationale

Permitting users the ability to set environment variables through the SSH daemon could potentially allow users to bypass security controls (e.g. setting an execution path that has `ssh` executing trojan'd programs).

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

```bash
# sshd -T | grep permituserenvironment

PermitUserEnvironment no
```

## Expected Result

Output should show `PermitUserEnvironment no`.

## Remediation

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

```
PermitUserEnvironment no
```

## Default Value

PermitUserEnvironment no

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                 | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists | x    | x    | x    |
| v7               | 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations     | x    | x    | x    |

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server