# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 5 3 12

> Ensure SSH PermitEmptyPasswords is disabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-12` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-12`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-12/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-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-12

---


# 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:

```bash
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:

```bash
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

1. 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