Verify SSH IgnoreRhosts is set to yes to prevent .rhosts-based authentication
Scanned 9/3/2026
Install to Claude Code
npx -y skills add CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike --skill cis-ubuntu1404-v210-5-2-6 --agent claude-codeInstalls into .claude/skills of the current project.
Are you the author of Cis Ubuntu1404 V210 5 2 6?
Add the live security badge to your README — it updates automatically with every re-scan.
[](https://www.skillsdirectory.com/skills/cyberstrikeus-cis-ubuntu1404-v210-5-2-6)More formats (shields.io, HTML) on the badges page.
---
name: "CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.6 Ensure SSH IgnoreRhosts is enabled"
description: "Verify SSH IgnoreRhosts is set to yes to prevent .rhosts-based authentication"
category: "cis-os-hardening"
version: "2.1.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
- cis
- ubuntu
- ubuntu-14.04
- level-1
- scored
- ssh
cis_id: "5.2.6"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0"
tech_stack:
- ubuntu
- linux
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: "medium"
---
# 5.2.6 Ensure SSH IgnoreRhosts is enabled (Scored)
## Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
## Description
The `IgnoreRhosts` parameter specifies that `.rhosts` and `.shosts` files will not be used in `RhostsRSAAuthentication` or `HostbasedAuthentication`.
## Rationale
Setting this parameter forces users to enter a password when authenticating with ssh.
## Audit Procedure
Run the following command and verify that output matches:
```bash
grep "^IgnoreRhosts" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```
## Expected Result
```
IgnoreRhosts yes
```
## Remediation
Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the parameter as follows:
```
IgnoreRhosts yes
```
## Default Value
IgnoreRhosts yes
## References
- CIS Controls: 9 - Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services
## Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Is this your skill, or is something wrong with this listing? Request removal or report an issue. Author removals are honored within 72 hours.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!