Cis Ubuntu1404 V210 2 2 16

---
name: "CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.16 Ensure rsync service is not enabled"
description: "Verify that rsync service 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: "2.2.16"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0"
tech_stack:
  - ubuntu
  - linux
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: "low"
---

# 2.2.16 Ensure rsync service is not enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `rsyncd` service can be used to synchronize files between systems over network links.

## Rationale

The `rsyncd` service presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command to verify that the `rsync` service is not enabled:

```bash
grep ^RSYNC_ENABLE /etc/default/rsync
```

Expected output:

```
RSYNC_ENABLE=false
```

## Expected Result

The output should show `RSYNC_ENABLE=false`.

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/default/rsync` file and set `RSYNC_ENABLE` to `false`:

```
RSYNC_ENABLE=false
```

## Default Value

rsync service is not enabled by default (`RSYNC_ENABLE=false`).

## References

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

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation