# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.11 Ensure only approved MAC algorithms are used

> Verify SSH is configured to use only approved MAC algorithms to prevent weak cipher attacks

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-11-ensure-only-approved-mac-algorit` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-11-ensure-only-approved-mac-algorit`
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- 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-5-2-11-ensure-only-approved-mac-algorit

---


# 5.2.11 Ensure only approved MAC algorithms are used (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

This variable limits the types of MAC algorithms that SSH can use during communication.

## Rationale

MD5 and 96-bit MAC algorithms are considered weak and have been shown to increase exploitability in SSH downgrade attacks. Weak algorithms continue to have a great deal of attention as a weak spot that can be exploited with expanded computing power. An attacker that breaks the algorithm could take advantage of a MiTM position to decrypt the SSH tunnel and capture credentials and information.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output does not contain any unlisted MAC algorithms:

```bash
grep "MACs" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
MACs hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,umac-128-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256,umac-128@openssh.com,curve25519-sha256@libssh.org,diffie-hellman-group-exchange-sha256
```

## Remediation

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

```
MACs hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,umac-128-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256,umac-128@openssh.com
```

## Default Value

MACs include all available algorithms by default.

## References

1. More information on SSH downgrade attacks can be found here: http://www.mitls.org/pages/attacks/SLOTH

- CIS Controls: 3.4 - Use Only Secure Channels For Remote System Administration

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation