Cis Azure Compute 2.2.10

---
name: cis-azure-compute-2.2.10
description: "Ensure 'Remote debugging' is set to 'Off'"
category: cis-azure-compute
version: "2.0.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, azure, app-service, deployment-slots, remote-debugging, attack-surface, security-hardening]
cis_id: "2.2.10"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Microsoft Azure Compute Services Benchmark v2.0.0"
tech_stack: [azure]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# Ensure 'Remote debugging' is set to 'Off'

## Description

Remote debugging allows an App Service deployment slot to be debugged in real-time directly in the Azure environment. When remote debugging is enabled, it opens a communication channel that could potentially be exploited by unauthorized users if not properly secured.

## Rationale

Disabling remote debugging on an App Service deployment slot is primarily about enhancing security.

Remote debugging opens a communication channel that can be exploited by attackers. By disabling it, you reduce the number of potential entry points for unauthorized access.

If remote debugging is enabled without proper access controls, it can allow unauthorized users to connect to your deployment slot, potentially leading to data breaches or malicious code execution.

During a remote debugging session, sensitive information might be exposed. Disabling remote debugging helps ensure that such data remains secure. This minimizes the use of remote access tools to reduce risk.

## Impact

You will not be able to connect to your deployment slot from a remote location to diagnose and fix issues in real-time. You will not be able to step through code, set breakpoints, or inspect variables and the call stack while the deployment slot is running on the server. Remote debugging is particularly useful for diagnosing issues that only occur in the production environment. Without it, you will need to rely on logs and other diagnostic tools.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Azure Portal

1. Go to `App Services`.
2. Click the name of an app.
3. Under `Deployment`, click `Deployment slots`.
4. Click the name of a deployment slot.
5. Under `Settings`, click `Configuration`.
6. In the `General settings` pane, under `Debugging`, ensure that `Remote debugging` is set to `Off`.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each app and deployment slot.

### Using Azure CLI

Run the following command to list apps:

```bash
az webapp list
```

For each app, run the following command to list deployment slots:

```bash
az webapp deployment slot list --resource-group <resource-group-name> --name <app-name>
```

For each deployment slot, run the following command to get the remote debugging setting:

```bash
az resource show --name web --resource-group <resource-group-name> --namespace Microsoft.Web --resource-type config --parent sites/<app-name>/slots/<deployment-slot-name> --query properties.remoteDebuggingEnabled
```

Ensure that `false` is returned.

## Expected Result

The `remoteDebuggingEnabled` property should return `false`.

## Remediation

### Using Azure Portal

1. Go to `App Services`.
2. Click the name of an app.
3. Under `Deployment`, click `Deployment slots`.
4. Click the name of a deployment slot.
5. Under `Settings`, click `Configuration`.
6. In the `General settings` pane, under `Debugging`, set `Remote debugging` to `Off`.
7. Click `Save`.
8. Click `Continue`.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for each app and deployment slot requiring remediation.

### Using Azure CLI

For each deployment slot requiring remediation, run the following command to disable remote debugging:

```bash
az resource update --name web --resource-group <resource-group-name> --namespace Microsoft.Web --resource-type config --parent sites/<app-name>/slots/<deployment-slot-name> --set properties.remoteDebuggingEnabled=false
```

## Default Value

By default, remote debugging is set to `off`.

## References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/debugger/remote-debugging-azure-app-service
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/benchmark/azure/mcsb-posture-vulnerability-management#pv-2-audit-and-enforce-secure-configurations
3. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/webapp
4. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/resource

## Profile

Level 1 | Automated