cyberstrikeus 5.1.9 Ensure SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled (Automated)
Description
The HostbasedAuthentication parameter specifies if authentication is allowed through trusted hosts via the user of .rhosts, or /etc/hosts.equiv, along with successful public key client host authentication. This option only applies to SSH Protocol Version 2.
Rationale
Even though the .rhosts files are ineffective if support is disabled in /etc/pam.conf, disabling the ability to use .rhosts files in SSH provides an additional layer of protection.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify that output matches:
# sshd -T | grep hostbasedauthentication
HostbasedAuthentication no
Expected Result
Output should show HostbasedAuthentication no.
Remediation
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
HostbasedAuthentication no
Default Value
HostbasedAuthentication no
CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v8 | 6.3 Require MFA for Externally-Exposed Applications | x | x | |
| v7 | 16.3 Require Multi-factor Authentication | x | x |
Profile
- Level 1 - Server