# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.1.10 Ensure xinetd is not enabled

> Verify that the xinetd super daemon is disabled when not required

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-1-10-ensure-xinetd-is-not-enabled` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-1-10-ensure-xinetd-is-not-enabled`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-1-10-ensure-xinetd-is-not-enabled/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-1-10-ensure-xinetd-is-not-enabled

---


# 2.1.10 Ensure xinetd is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The eXtended InterNET Daemon (`xinetd`) is an open source super daemon that replaced the original `inetd` daemon. The `xinetd` daemon listens for well known services and dispatches the appropriate daemon to properly respond to service requests.

## Rationale

If there are no `xinetd` services required, it is recommended that the daemon be disabled.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following commands to verify no start conditions listed for `xinetd`:

```bash
initctl show-config xinetd
```

Verify the output shows `xinetd` with no start conditions.

## Expected Result

The `xinetd` service should have no start conditions listed.

## Remediation

Remove or comment out start lines in `/etc/init/xinetd.conf`:

```bash
#start on runlevel [2345]
```

## Default Value

xinetd is not enabled by default on Ubuntu 14.04.

## References

- CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation