# Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 5 1 10

> Ensure sshd HostbasedAuthentication is disabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-1-10` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-1-10`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-1-10/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-v300-5-1-10

---


# Ensure sshd HostbasedAuthentication is disabled (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `HostbasedAuthentication` parameter specifies if authentication is allowed through trusted hosts via the user of `.rhosts`, or `/etc/hosts.equiv`, along with successful public key client host authentication.

## Rationale

Even though the `.rhosts` files are ineffective if support is disabled in `/etc/pam.conf`, disabling the ability to use `.rhosts` files in SSH provides an additional layer of protection.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command to verify `HostbasedAuthentication` is set to `no`:

```bash
# sshd -T | grep hostbasedauthentication
```

```
hostbasedauthentication no
```

- IF - `Match` set statements are used in your environment, specify the connection parameters to use for the `-T` extended test mode and run the audit to verify the setting is not incorrectly configured in a match block.
  Example additional audit needed for a match block for the user _sshuser_:

```bash
# sshd -T -C user=sshuser | grep hostbasedauthentication
```

Note: If provided, any Match directives in the configuration file that would apply are applied before the configuration is written to standard output. The connection parameters are supplied as keyword=value pairs and may be supplied in any order, either with multiple `-C` options or as a comma-separated list. The keywords are `addr` (source address), `user` (user), `host` (resolved source host name), `laddr` (local address), `lport` (local port number), and `rdomain` (routing domain)

## Expected Result

```
hostbasedauthentication no
```

## Remediation

### Command Line

Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the `HostbasedAuthentication` parameter to `no` above any `Include` and `Match` entries as follows:

```
HostbasedAuthentication no
```

Note: First occurrence of a option takes precedence, `Match` set statements withstanding. If `Include` locations are enabled, used, and order of precedence is understood in your environment, the entry may be created in a file in `Include` location.

## Default Value

HostbasedAuthentication no

## References

1. SSHD_CONFIG(5)
2. SSHD(8)
3. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-1, CM-2, CM-6, CM-7, IA-5

## CIS Controls

v8 - 5.2 Use Unique Passwords
Use unique passwords for all enterprise assets. Best practice implementation includes, at a minimum, an 8-character password for accounts using MFA and a 14-character password for accounts not using MFA.

v7 - 4.4 Use Unique Passwords
Where multi-factor authentication is not supported (such as local administrator, root, or service accounts), accounts will use passwords that are unique to that system.

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1078, T1078.001, T1078.003 | TA0001 | M1042