# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.4 Ensure CUPS is not enabled

> Verify that CUPS print service is disabled when not required

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-4-ensure-cups-is-not-enabled` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-4-ensure-cups-is-not-enabled`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-4-ensure-cups-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-2-2-4-ensure-cups-is-not-enabled

---


# 2.2.4 Ensure CUPS is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation

## Description

The Common Unix Print System (CUPS) provides the ability to print to both local and network printers. A system running CUPS can also accept print jobs from remote systems and print them to local printers. It also provides a web based remote administration capability.

## Rationale

If the system does not need to print jobs or accept print jobs from other systems, it is recommended that CUPS be disabled to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Audit Procedure

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

```bash
initctl show-config cups
```

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

## Expected Result

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

## Remediation

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

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

## Default Value

CUPS may be enabled by default on workstation installations. Disabling CUPS will prevent printing from the system, a common task for workstation systems.

## References

1. More detailed documentation on CUPS is available at the project homepage at http://www.cups.org.

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

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation