# Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 5 2 7

> Ensure access to the su command is restricted

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-2-7` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-2-7`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-2-7/raw
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- 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-v300-5-2-7

---


# Ensure access to the su command is restricted (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `su` command allows a user to run a command or shell as another user. The program has been superseded by `sudo`, which allows for more granular control over privileged access. Normally, the `su` command can be executed by any user. By uncommenting the `pam_wheel.so` statement in `/etc/pam.d/su`, the `su` command will only allow users in a specific groups to execute `su`. This group should be empty to reinforce the use of `sudo` for privileged access.

## Rationale

Restricting the use of `su`, and using `sudo` in its place, provides system administrators better control of the escalation of user privileges to execute privileged commands. The sudo utility also provides a better logging and audit mechanism, as it can log each command executed via `sudo`, whereas `su` can only record that a user executed the `su` program.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command:

```bash
# grep -Pi '^\h*auth\h+(?:required|requisite)\h+pam_wheel\.so\h+(?:[^#\n\r]+\h+)?(?:(?!\2)(use_uid\b|group=\H+\b))\h+(?:[^#\n\r]+\h+)?(?:(?!\1)(use_uid\b|group=\H+\b))(\h+.*)?$' /etc/pam.d/su
```

Verify the output matches:

```
auth required pam_wheel.so use_uid group=<group_name>
```

Run the following command and verify that the group specified in `<group_name>` contains no users:

```bash
# grep <group_name> /etc/group
```

Verify the output does not contain any users in the relevant group:

```
<group_name>:x:<GID>:
```

## Expected Result

The `pam_wheel.so` line should be configured with `use_uid` and a `group=` parameter, and the specified group should contain no users.

## Remediation

### Command Line

Create an empty group that will be specified for use of the `su` command. The group should be named according to site policy.
Example:

```bash
# groupadd sugroup
```

Add the following line to the `/etc/pam.d/su` file, specifying the empty group:

```
auth required pam_wheel.so use_uid group=sugroup
```

## References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AC-3, MP-2

## CIS Controls

v8 - 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists
Configure data access control lists based on a user's need to know. Apply data access control lists, also known as access permissions, to local and remote file systems, databases, and applications.

v7 - 4.3 Ensure the Use of Dedicated Administrative Accounts
Ensure that all users with administrative account access use a dedicated or secondary account for elevated activities. This account should only be used for administrative activities and not internet browsing, email, or similar activities.

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1548 | TA0004 | M1026