# Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 5 3 8

> Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-8` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-8`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-8/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-v200-5-3-8

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# CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 5.3.8

## Description

The `MaxAuthTries` parameter specifies the maximum number of authentication attempts permitted per connection. When the login failure count reaches half the number, error messages will be written to the `syslog` file detailing the login failure.

## Rationale

Setting the `MaxAuthTries` parameter to a low number will minimize the risk of successful brute force attacks to the SSH server. While the recommended setting is 4, set the number based on site policy.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command and verify that output `MaxAuthTries` is 4 or less:

```bash
sshd -T -C user=root -C host="$(hostname)" -C addr="$(grep $(hostname) /etc/hosts | awk '{print $1}')" | grep maxauthtries
```

### Expected Result

```
maxauthtries 4
```

Run the following command and verify that the output:

```bash
grep -Ei '^\s*maxauthtries\s+([5-9]|[1-9][0-9]+)' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

Nothing is returned.

## Remediation

### Command Line

Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the parameter as follows:

```
MaxAuthTries 4
```

## Default Value

MaxAuthTries 6

## References

1. SSHD_CONFIG(5)

## CIS Controls

Version 7

16.13 Alert on Account Login Behavior Deviation - Alert when users deviate from normal login behavior, such as time-of-day, workstation location and duration.

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Assessment Status

Automated