# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 3.5.3 Ensure RDS is disabled

> Verify that the RDS protocol kernel module is disabled to reduce attack surface

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-3-5-3-ensure-rds-is-disabled` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-3-5-3-ensure-rds-is-disabled`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-3-5-3-ensure-rds-is-disabled/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-3-5-3-ensure-rds-is-disabled

---


# 3.5.3 Ensure RDS is disabled (Not Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol is a transport layer protocol designed to provide low-latency, high-bandwidth communications between cluster nodes. It was developed by the Oracle Corporation.

## Rationale

If the protocol is not being used, it is recommended that kernel module not be loaded, disabling the service to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following commands and verify the output is as indicated:

```bash
modprobe -n -v rds
# Expected: install /bin/true

lsmod | grep rds
# Expected: <No output>
```

## Expected Result

```
install /bin/true
```

And no output from `lsmod | grep rds`.

## Remediation

Edit or create the file `/etc/modprobe.d/CIS.conf` and add the following line:

```
install rds /bin/true
```

## Default Value

Not disabled by default.

## References

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

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation