# Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 2 2 3

> Ensure talk client is not installed

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-2-2-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-2-2-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-2-2-3/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-ubuntu2004-v300-2-2-3

---


# 2.2.3 Ensure talk client is not installed (Automated)

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The talk software makes it possible for users to send and receive messages across systems through a terminal session. The talk client, which allows initialization of talk sessions, is installed by the talk package.

## Rationale

The software presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command to verify talk is not installed:

```bash
# dpkg-query -W -f='${binary:Package}\t${Status}\t${db:Status-Status}\n' talk
```

Verify talk is not installed.

## Expected Result

talk package should not be installed.

## Remediation

### Command Line

Run the following command to remove talk:

```bash
# apt purge talk
```

## Default Value

talk is not installed by default.

## References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-7

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                         | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software |      | x    | x    |
| v7               | 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running              |      | x    | x    |

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1203, T1543, T1543.002 | TA0006, TA0008 | M1041, M1042