cyberstrikeus 5.2.7 Ensure SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The HostbasedAuthentication parameter specifies if authentication is allowed through trusted hosts via the user of .rhosts, or /etc/hosts.equiv, along with successful public key client host authentication. This option only applies to SSH Protocol Version 2.
Rationale
Even though the .rhosts files are ineffective if support is disabled in /etc/pam.conf, disabling the ability to use .rhosts files in SSH provides an additional layer of protection.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify that output matches:
grep "^HostbasedAuthentication" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Expected Result
HostbasedAuthentication no
Remediation
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
HostbasedAuthentication no
Default Value
HostbasedAuthentication no
References
- CIS Controls: 9 - Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation