# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 5 1 4

> Ensure talk server is not enabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-4/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-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-4

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# 5.1.4 Ensure talk server is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The talk software makes it possible for users to send and receive messages across systems through a terminal session. The talk client (allows initiate of talk sessions) is installed by default.

## Rationale

The software presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Ensure the `talk` services are not enabled:

```bash
grep ^talk /etc/inetd.conf
grep ^ntalk /etc/inetd.conf
```

## Expected Result

No results should be returned.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

Remove or comment out any `talk` or `ntalk` lines in `/etc/inetd.conf`:

```bash
sed -i 's/^talk/#talk/' /etc/inetd.conf
sed -i 's/^ntalk/#ntalk/' /etc/inetd.conf
```

## Default Value

Not enabled by default on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored