Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 2 3 2 2

Ensure systemd-timesyncd is enabled and running

Profile

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation

Description

systemd-timesyncd is a daemon that has been added for synchronizing the system clock across the network

Rationale

systemd-timesyncd needs to be enabled and running in order to synchronize the system to a timeserver.

Time synchronization is important to support time sensitive security mechanisms and to ensure log files have consistent time records across the enterprise to aid in forensic investigations

Audit

• IF - systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is enabled:

Command Line

# systemctl is-enabled systemd-timesyncd.service

Output:

enabled

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is active:

# systemctl is-active systemd-timesyncd.service

Output:

active

Remediation

• IF - systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to unmask systemd-timesyncd.service:

Command Line

# systemctl unmask systemd-timesyncd.service

Run the following command to enable and start systemd-timesyncd.service:

# systemctl --now enable systemd-timesyncd.service

- OR -

If another time synchronization service is in use on the system, run the following command to stop and mask systemd-timesyncd:

# systemctl --now mask systemd-timesyncd.service

References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-7, AU-8

CIS Controls

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings