# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.10 Ensure SSH PermitUserEnvironment is disabled

> Verify SSH PermitUserEnvironment is set to no to prevent users from setting environment options

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-10-ensure-ssh-permituserenvironment` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-10-ensure-ssh-permituserenvironment`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-10-ensure-ssh-permituserenvironment/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- 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-5-2-10-ensure-ssh-permituserenvironment

---


# 5.2.10 Ensure SSH PermitUserEnvironment is disabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `PermitUserEnvironment` option allows users to present environment options to the `ssh` daemon.

## Rationale

Permitting users the ability to set environment variables through the SSH daemon could potentially allow users to bypass security controls (e.g. setting an execution path that has `ssh` executing trojan'd programs).

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

```bash
grep PermitUserEnvironment /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
PermitUserEnvironment no
```

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the parameter as follows:

```
PermitUserEnvironment no
```

## Default Value

PermitUserEnvironment no

## References

- CIS Controls: 16 - Account Monitoring and Control

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation