Cis Ubuntu1404 V210 2 2 11

---
name: "CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.11 Ensure IMAP and POP3 server is not enabled"
description: "Verify that dovecot IMAP/POP3 server is disabled when not required"
category: "cis-os-hardening"
version: "2.1.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - cis
  - ubuntu
  - ubuntu-14.04
  - level-1
  - scored
  - services
cis_id: "2.2.11"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0"
tech_stack:
  - ubuntu
  - linux
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: "medium"
---

# 2.2.11 Ensure IMAP and POP3 server is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

`dovecot` is an open source IMAP and POP3 server for Linux based systems.

## Rationale

Unless POP3 and/or IMAP servers are to be provided by this system, it is recommended that the service be deleted to reduce the potential attack surface.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following commands to verify no start conditions listed for `dovecot`:

```bash
initctl show-config dovecot
```

Verify the output shows `dovecot` with no start conditions.

## Expected Result

The `dovecot` service should have no start conditions listed.

## Remediation

Remove or comment out start lines in `/etc/init/dovecot.conf`:

```bash
#start on runlevel [2345]
```

**Note:** Several IMAP/POP3 servers exist and can use other service names. `exim` and `cyrus-imap` are example services that provide an HTTP server. These and other services should also be audited.

## Default Value

dovecot is not enabled by default.

## References

- CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation