cyberstrikeus CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 - Control 4.2.21
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
UsePAM enables the Pluggable Authentication Module interface. If set to yes this will enable PAM authentication using ChallengeResponseAuthentication and PasswordAuthentication in addition to PAM account and session module processing for all authentication types.
Rationale
When usePAM is set to yes, PAM runs through account and session types properly. This is important if you want to restrict access to services based off of IP, time or other factors of the account. Additionally, you can make sure users inherit certain environment variables on login or disallow access to the server.
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following command and verify the output:
sshd -T | grep -i usepam
Expected Result
usepam yes
Remediation
Command Line
Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:
UsePAM yes
Default Value
UsePAM yes
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-7
CIS Controls
v8 - 4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software.
v7 - 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols, and Services Are Running.
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Assessment Status
Automated