Cis Ubuntu1604 V200 5 3 22

---
name: cis-ubuntu1604-v200-5-3-22
description: "Ensure SSH MaxStartups is configured"
category: cis-networking
version: "2.0.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, ubuntu, linux, ubuntu-16.04, ssh, remote-access]
cis_id: "5.3.22"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0"
tech_stack: [ubuntu, linux]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 5.3.22

## Description

The `MaxStartups` parameter specifies the maximum number of concurrent unauthenticated connections to the SSH daemon.

## Rationale

To protect a system from denial of service due to a large number of pending authentication connection attempts, use the rate limiting function of MaxStartups to protect availability of sshd logins and prevent overwhelming the daemon.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command and verify that output `MaxStartups` is `10:30:60` or more restrictive:

```bash
sshd -T -C user=root -C host="$(hostname)" -C addr="$(grep $(hostname) /etc/hosts | awk '{print $1}')" | grep -i maxstartups
```

### Expected Result

```
maxstartups 10:30:60
```

Run the following command and verify the output:

```bash
grep -Ei '^\s*maxstartups\s+(((1[1-9]|[1-9][0-9][0-9]+):([0-9]+):([0-9]+))|(([0-9]+):(3[1-9]|[4-9][0-9]|[1-9][0-9][0-9]+):([0-9]+))|(([0-9]+):([0-9]+):(6[1-9]|[7-9][0-9]|[1-9][0-9][0-9]+)))' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

Nothing should be returned.

## Remediation

### Command Line

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

```
maxstartups 10:30:60
```

## Default Value

MaxStartups 10:30:100

## References

1. SSHD_CONFIG(5)

## CIS Controls

Version 7

5.1 Establish Secure Configurations - Maintain documented, standard security configuration standards for all authorized operating systems and software.

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Assessment Status

Automated