# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.9 Ensure SSH PermitEmptyPasswords is disabled

> Verify SSH PermitEmptyPasswords is set to no to prevent login with empty passwords

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-9-ensure-ssh-permitemptypasswords-i` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-9-ensure-ssh-permitemptypasswords-i`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-9-ensure-ssh-permitemptypasswords-i/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-5-2-9-ensure-ssh-permitemptypasswords-i

---


# 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:

```bash
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