Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 5 5

---
name: cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-5
description: "Ensure discard is not enabled"
category: cis-os-hardening
version: "1.1.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, ubuntu, 12.04, linux, discard, inetd, attack-surface]
cis_id: "5.5"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0"
tech_stack: [ubuntu, linux]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# 5.5 Ensure discard is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

`discard` is a network service that simply discards all data it receives. This service is intended for debugging and testing purposes. It is recommended that this service be disabled.

## Rationale

Disabling this service will reduce the remote attack surface of the system.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

Ensure the `discard` services are not enabled:

```bash
grep ^discard /etc/inetd.conf
```

## Expected Result

No results should be returned.

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

Remove or comment out any `discard` lines in `/etc/inetd.conf`:

```bash
sed -i 's/^discard/#discard/' /etc/inetd.conf
```

## Default Value

Not enabled by default on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server.

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored