# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 3 4

> Require Authentication for Single-User Mode

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-3-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-3-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-3-4/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- 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-ubuntu1204-v110-3-4

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# 3.4 Require Authentication for Single-User Mode (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

Setting a password for the `root` user will force authentication in single user mode.

## Rationale

Requiring authentication in single user mode prevents an unauthorized user from rebooting the system into single user to gain root privileges without credentials.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Perform the following to determine if a password is set for the `root` user:

```bash
grep ^root:[*\!]: /etc/shadow
```

## Expected Result

No results should be returned. If a result is returned, the root account does not have a password set.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

Run the following command and follow the prompts to set a password for the `root` user:

```bash
passwd root
```

## Default Value

By default, the root account may or may not have a password set depending on installation choices.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored