Cis Ubuntu1404 V210 5 2 7

---
name: "CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.7 Ensure SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled"
description: "Verify SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled to prevent host-based trust authentication"
category: "cis-os-hardening"
version: "2.1.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - cis
  - ubuntu
  - ubuntu-14.04
  - level-1
  - scored
  - ssh
cis_id: "5.2.7"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0"
tech_stack:
  - ubuntu
  - linux
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: "medium"
---

# 5.2.7 Ensure SSH HostbasedAuthentication is disabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `HostbasedAuthentication` parameter specifies if authentication is allowed through trusted hosts via the user of `.rhosts`, or `/etc/hosts.equiv`, along with successful public key client host authentication. This option only applies to SSH Protocol Version 2.

## Rationale

Even though the `.rhosts` files are ineffective if support is disabled in `/etc/pam.conf`, disabling the ability to use `.rhosts` files in SSH provides an additional layer of protection.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

```bash
grep "^HostbasedAuthentication" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
HostbasedAuthentication no
```

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the parameter as follows:

```
HostbasedAuthentication no
```

## Default Value

HostbasedAuthentication no

## References

- CIS Controls: 9 - Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation