# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 2 1 4

> Ensure CUPS is not installed

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-4` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-4/raw
- Safety review: pending (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-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-4

---


# 2.1.4 Ensure CUPS is not installed (Automated)

## Description

The Common Unix Print System (CUPS) provides the ability to print to both local and network printers. A system running CUPS can also accept print jobs from remote systems and print them to local printers. It also provides a web based remote administration capability.

## Rationale

If the system does not need to print jobs or accept print jobs from other systems, it is recommended that CUPS be removed to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Impact

Removing CUPS will prevent printing from the system, a common task for workstation systems.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command to verify cups is not installed:

```bash
dpkg -s cups | grep -E '(Status:|not installed)'
```

## Expected Result

```
dpkg-query: package 'cups' is not installed and no information is available
```

## Remediation

### Command Line

Run one of the following commands to remove cups:

```bash
apt purge cups
```

## Default Value

cups is not installed on minimal server installations.

## References

1. More detailed documentation on CUPS is available at the project homepage at http://www.cups.org.
2. CIS Controls v7 - 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation