# Cis GCP Cos 5.1.22

> Ensure SSH MaxSessions is set to 4 or less

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-22` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-22`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-22/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- 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-5-1-22

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# 5.1.22 Ensure SSH MaxSessions is set to 4 or less (Automated)

## Description

The `MaxSessions` parameter specifies the maximum number of open sessions permitted from a given connection.

## Rationale

To protect a system from denial of service due to a large number of concurrent sessions, use the rate limiting function of MaxSessions to protect availability of sshd logins and prevent overwhelming the daemon.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output `MaxSessions` is 4 or less, or matches site policy:

```bash
# sshd -T | grep -i maxsessions
# maxsessions 4
```

## Expected Result

Output should show `maxsessions 4` or less, or match site policy.

## Remediation

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

```
MaxSessions 4
```

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                             | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v7               | 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations | x    | x    | x    |

## Profile

- Level 2 - Server