cyberstrikeus 5.2.9 Ensure SSH PermitEmptyPasswords is disabled (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The PermitEmptyPasswords parameter specifies if the SSH server allows login to accounts with empty password strings.
Rationale
Disallowing remote shell access to accounts that have an empty password reduces the probability of unauthorized access to the system.
Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify that output matches:
grep "^PermitEmptyPasswords" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Expected Result
PermitEmptyPasswords no
Remediation
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
PermitEmptyPasswords no
Default Value
PermitEmptyPasswords no
References
- CIS Controls: 16 - Account Monitoring and Control
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation