The system must not permit root logins using remote access programs such as SSH.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECPA-1

Associated with: CCI-000770

SV-38207r1_rule The system must not permit root logins using remote access programs such as SSH.

Vulnerability discussion

Even though communications are encrypted, an additional layer of security may be gained by extending the policy of not logging directly on as root. In addition, logging in with a user-specific account preserves the audit trail.

Check content

Check the SSH daemon configuration. Note that keywords are case-insensitive and arguments (args) are case-sensitive. keyword=PermitRootLogin Required arg(s)=no Default arg values include: "yes" Note: When the default "arg" value exactly matches the required "arg" value (see above), the are not required to exist (commented or uncommented) in the ssh (client) or sshd (server) configuration file. While not required, it is recommended that the configuration file(s) be populated with all keywords and assigned arg values as a means to explicitly document the ssh(d) binary's expected behavior. Examine the file. # cat /opt/ssh/etc/sshd_config | tr '\011' ' ' | tr -s ' ' | sed -e 's/^[ \t]*//' | grep -v '^#' | grep -i "PermitRootLogin" If the return value is yes, without-password or forced-commands-only, this is a finding.

Fix text

Edit the configuration file and set the PermitRootLogin option to no.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.