cyberstrikeus 9.3.9 Set SSH PermitEmptyPasswords to No (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1
Description
The PermitEmptyPasswords parameter specifies if the 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
Using Command Line
To verify the correct SSH setting, run the following command and verify that the output is as shown:
grep "^PermitEmptyPasswords" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Expected Result
PermitEmptyPasswords no
Remediation
Using Command Line
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
PermitEmptyPasswords no
Default Value
PermitEmptyPasswords no
References
- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0
Profile
Level 1 - Scored