# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 4 1 16

> Ensure kernel module loading and unloading is collected

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-16` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-4-1-16`
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- 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-v200-4-1-16

---


# CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 4.1.16

## Profile

- **Level:** 2 - Server
- **Level:** 2 - Workstation
- **Assessment Status:** Automated

## Description

Monitor the loading and unloading of kernel modules. The programs insmod (install a kernel module), rmmod (remove a kernel module), and modprobe (a more sophisticated program to load and unload modules, as well as some other features) control loading and unloading of modules. The init_module (load a module) and delete_module (delete a module) system calls control loading and unloading of modules. Any execution of the loading and unloading module programs and system calls will trigger an audit record with an identifier of "modules".

**Note:** Reloading the auditd config to set active settings requires the auditd service to be restarted, and may require a system reboot.

## Rationale

Monitoring the use of insmod, rmmod and modprobe could provide system administrators with evidence that an unauthorized user loaded or unloaded a kernel module, possibly compromising the security of the system. Monitoring of the init_module and delete_module system calls would reflect an unauthorized user attempting to use a different program to load and unload modules.

## Impact

None.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

**On a 32 bit system:**

Run the following command to verify the rules are contained in a `.rules` file in the `/etc/audit/rules.d/` directory:

```bash
grep modules /etc/audit/rules.d/*.rules
```

Verify output matches:

```
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b32 -S init_module -S delete_module -k modules
```

Run the following command to verify that rules are in the running auditd config:

```bash
auditctl -l | grep modules
```

Verify output matches:

```
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b32 -S init_module,delete_module -F key=modules
```

**On a 64 bit system:**

Run the following command to verify the rules are contained in a `.rules` file in the `/etc/audit/rules.d/` directory:

```bash
grep modules /etc/audit/rules.d/*.rules
```

Verify output matches:

```
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S init_module -S delete_module -k modules
```

Run the following command to verify that rules are in the running auditd config:

```bash
auditctl -l | grep modules
```

Verify output matches:

```
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S init_module,delete_module -F key=modules
```

## Expected Result

Output should match the rules listed above for the appropriate architecture.

## Remediation

### Command Line

**For 32 bit systems:** Edit or create a file in the `/etc/audit/rules.d/` directory ending in `.rules`.

Example: `vi /etc/audit/rules.d/50-modules.rules`

Add the following lines:

```bash
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b32 -S init_module -S delete_module -k modules
```

**For 64 bit systems:** Edit or create a file in the `/etc/audit/rules.d/` directory ending in `.rules`.

Example: `vi /etc/audit/rules.d/50-modules.rules`

Add the following lines:

```bash
-w /sbin/insmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/rmmod -p x -k modules
-w /sbin/modprobe -p x -k modules
-a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S init_module -S delete_module -k modules
```

## Default Value

By default, no audit rules are configured for kernel module operations.

## References

1. CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Section 4.1.16

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                                                                                 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| v7               | 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations - Maintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized operating systems and software. |