# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.7 Ensure SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled

> Verify SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled to prevent host-based trust authentication

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-7-ensure-ssh-hostbasedauthenticatio` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-7-ensure-ssh-hostbasedauthenticatio`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-7-ensure-ssh-hostbasedauthenticatio/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-5-2-7-ensure-ssh-hostbasedauthenticatio

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# 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:

```bash
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