# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.11 Ensure IMAP and POP3 server is not enabled

> Verify that dovecot IMAP/POP3 server is disabled when not required

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-11-ensure-imap-and-pop3-server-is-n` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-11-ensure-imap-and-pop3-server-is-n`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-11-ensure-imap-and-pop3-server-is-n/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-2-2-11-ensure-imap-and-pop3-server-is-n

---


# 2.2.11 Ensure IMAP and POP3 server is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

`dovecot` is an open source IMAP and POP3 server for Linux based systems.

## Rationale

Unless POP3 and/or IMAP servers are to be provided by this system, it is recommended that the service be deleted to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Audit Procedure

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

```bash
initctl show-config dovecot
```

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

## Expected Result

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

## Remediation

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

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

**Note:** Several IMAP/POP3 servers exist and can use other service names. `exim` and `cyrus-imap` are example services that provide an HTTP server. These and other services should also be audited.

## Default Value

dovecot is not enabled by default.

## References

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

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation