The SSH daemon must be configured to only use the SSHv2 protocol.

From VMware ESXi Server 5.0 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000774

SV-51270r1_rule The SSH daemon must be configured to only use the SSHv2 protocol.

Vulnerability discussion

SSHv1 is not a DoD-approved protocol and has many well-known vulnerability exploits. Exploits of the SSH daemon could provide immediate root access to the system.

Check content

Disable lock down mode. Enable the ESXi Shell. Check the SSH daemon configuration for required protocol. # grep -i "Protocol 2" /etc/ssh/sshd_config | grep -v '^#' Re-enable lock down mode. If no lines are returned, or the returned protocol list contains anything except 2, this is a finding.

Fix text

Disable lock down mode. Enable the ESXi Shell. Edit the SSH daemon configuration and add/modify the "Protocol" configuration for Protocol 2 only. # vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config Re-enable lock down mode.

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