# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.9 Ensure FTP Server is not enabled

> Verify that vsftpd FTP server is disabled when not required

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-9-ensure-ftp-server-is-not-enabled` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-9-ensure-ftp-server-is-not-enabled`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-9-ensure-ftp-server-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-2-2-9-ensure-ftp-server-is-not-enabled

---


# 2.2.9 Ensure FTP Server is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) provides networked computers with the ability to transfer files.

## Rationale

FTP does not protect the confidentiality of data or authentication credentials. It is recommended sftp be used if file transfer is required. Unless there is a need to run the system as a FTP server (for example, to allow anonymous downloads), it is recommended that the package be deleted to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Audit Procedure

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

```bash
initctl show-config vsftpd
```

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

## Expected Result

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

## Remediation

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

```bash
#start on runlevel [2345] or net-device-up IFACE!=lo
```

**Note:** Additional FTP servers also exist and should be audited.

## Default Value

FTP server is not enabled by default.

## References

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

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation