cyberstrikeus CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 5.3.12
Description
The PermitEmptyPasswords parameter specifies if the SSH 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
Command Line
Run the following command and verify that output matches:
sshd -T -C user=root -C host="$(hostname)" -C addr="$(grep $(hostname) /etc/hosts | awk '{print $1}')" | grep permitemptypasswords
Expected Result
permitemptypasswords no
Run the following command and verify the output:
grep -Ei '^\s*PermitEmptyPasswords\s+yes' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Nothing should be returned.
Remediation
Command Line
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
PermitEmptyPasswords no
Default Value
PermitEmptyPasswords no
References
- SSHD_CONFIG(5)
CIS Controls
Version 7
16.3 Require Multi-factor Authentication - Require multi-factor authentication for all user accounts, on all systems, whether managed onsite or by a third-party provider.
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Assessment Status
Automated