# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 7 4 2

> Create /etc/hosts.allow

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-7-4-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-7-4-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-7-4-2/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-v110-7-4-2

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# 7.4.2 Create /etc/hosts.allow (Not Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The `/etc/hosts.allow` file specifies which IP addresses are permitted to connect to the host. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the `/etc/hosts.deny` file.

## Rationale

The `/etc/hosts.allow` file supports access control by IP and helps ensure that only authorized systems can connect to the server.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Run the following command to verify the contents of the `/etc/hosts.allow` file.

```bash
cat /etc/hosts.allow
```

## Expected Result

Contents will vary, depending on your network configuration.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

Create `/etc/hosts.allow`:

```bash
echo "ALL: <net>/<mask>, <net>/<mask>, ..." >/etc/hosts.allow
```

where each `<net>/<mask>` combination (for example, "192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0") represents one network block in use by your organization that requires access to this system.

## Default Value

The `/etc/hosts.allow` file may or may not exist by default.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Not Scored