Ensure GDM autorun-never is enabled
Scanned 9/3/2026
Install to Claude Code
npx -y skills add CyberStrikeus/CyberStrike --skill cis-ubuntu2004-v300-1-7-8 --agent claude-codeInstalls into .claude/skills of the current project.
Are you the author of Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 1 7 8?
Add the live security badge to your README — it updates automatically with every re-scan.
[](https://www.skillsdirectory.com/skills/cyberstrikeus-cis-ubuntu2004-v300-1-7-8)More formats (shields.io, HTML) on the badges page.
---
name: cis-ubuntu2004-v300-1-7-8
description: "Ensure GDM autorun-never is enabled"
category: cis-networking
version: "3.0.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, ubuntu, linux, ubuntu-20.04, gnome, gdm, autorun, removable-media]
cis_id: "1.7.8"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0"
tech_stack: [ubuntu, linux]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---
# 1.7.8 Ensure GDM autorun-never is enabled (Automated)
## Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
## Description
The `autorun-never` setting allows the GNOME Desktop Display Manager to disable autorun through GDM.
## Rationale
Malware on removable media may taking advantage of Autorun features when the media is inserted into a system and execute.
## Audit Procedure
### Command Line
Run the following command to verify that a user profile exists:
```bash
# grep -Psi "user-db|system-db" /etc/dconf/profile/*/*
```
```
/etc/dconf/profile/local:user-db:user
/etc/dconf/profile/local:system-db:local
```
Run the following command to verify that `autorun-never` is set to `true` for GDM:
```bash
# gsettings get org.gnome.desktop.media-handling autorun-never
true
```
## Expected Result
`autorun-never` should be set to `true`.
## Remediation
### Command Line
- IF - A user profile exist run the following command to set `autorun-never` to `true` for GDM users:
```bash
# gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.media-handling autorun-never true
```
Note:
- `gsettings` commands in this section MUST be done from a command window on a graphical desktop or an error will be returned.
- The system must be restarted after all `gsettings` configurations have been set in order for CIS-CAT Assessor to appropriately assess.
- OR/IF - A user profile does not exist:
1. create the file `/etc/dconf/db/local.d/locks/00-media-autorun` with the following content:
```
[org/gnome/desktop/media-handling]
autorun-never=true
```
2. Update the systems databases:
```bash
# dconf update
```
Note: Users must log out and back in again before the system-wide settings take effect.
## Default Value
false
## References
1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-1, CM-2, CM-6, CM-7, IA-5
## CIS Controls
| Controls Version | Control | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8 | 10.3 Disable Autorun and Autoplay for Removable Media | \* | \* | \* |
| v7 | 8.5 Configure Devices Not To Auto-run Content | \* | \* | \* |
MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1091, T1091.000 | TA0001, TA0008 | M1042
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!