# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 9 3 3

> Set Permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-3/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-v110-9-3-3

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# 9.3.3 Set Permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file contains configuration specifications for `sshd`. The command below sets the owner and group of the file to root.

## Rationale

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file needs to be protected from unauthorized changes by nonprivileged users, but needs to be readable as this information is used with many nonprivileged programs.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Run the following command to determine the user and group ownership on the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file:

```bash
/bin/ls -l /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
-rw------- 1 root root 762 Sep 23 002 /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

If the user and group ownership of the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file are incorrect, run the following command to correct them:

```bash
chown root:root /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

If the permissions are incorrect, run the following command to correct them:

```bash
chmod 600 /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Default Value

The default ownership is root:root with permissions 644.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored