# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.1 Ensure permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config are configured

> Verify /etc/ssh/sshd_config ownership and permissions are restricted to root with no group/other access

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-1-ensure-permissions-on-etc-ssh-ssh` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-1-ensure-permissions-on-etc-ssh-ssh`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-1-ensure-permissions-on-etc-ssh-ssh/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-5-2-1-ensure-permissions-on-etc-ssh-ssh

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# 5.2.1 Ensure permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config are configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file contains configuration specifications for `sshd`. The command below sets the owner and group of the file to root.

## Rationale

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file needs to be protected from unauthorized changes by non-privileged users.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify `Uid` and `Gid` are both `0/root` and `Access` does not grant permissions to `group` or `other`:

```bash
stat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
Access: (0600/-rw-------)  Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (    0/    root)
```

## Remediation

Run the following commands to set ownership and permissions on `/etc/ssh/sshd_config`:

```bash
chown root:root /etc/ssh/sshd_config
chmod og-rwx /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Default Value

Not configured by default.

## References

- CIS Controls: 5.1 - Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation