Cis Ubuntu2004 V300 5 2 5

---
name: cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-2-5
description: "Ensure re-authentication for privilege escalation is not disabled globally"
category: cis-iam
version: "3.0.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, ubuntu, linux, ubuntu-20.04, sudo]
cis_id: "5.2.5"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0"
tech_stack: [ubuntu, linux]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# Ensure re-authentication for privilege escalation is not disabled globally (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The operating system must be configured so that users must re-authenticate for privilege escalation.

## Rationale

Without re-authentication, users may access resources or perform tasks for which they do not have authorization.

When operating systems provide the capability to escalate a functional capability, it is critical the user re-authenticate.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Verify the operating system requires users to re-authenticate for privilege escalation.
Check the configuration of the `/etc/sudoers` and `/etc/sudoers.d/*` files with the following command:

```bash
# grep -r "^[^#].*\!authenticate" /etc/sudoers*
```

If any line is found with a `!authenticate` tag, refer to the remediation procedure below.

## Expected Result

No output should be returned (no !authenticate entries found).

## Remediation

### Command Line

Configure the operating system to require users to reauthenticate for privilege escalation.
Based on the outcome of the audit procedure, use `visudo -f <PATH TO FILE>` to edit the relevant sudoers file.
Remove any occurrences of `!authenticate` tags in the file(s).

## References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AC-6

## CIS Controls

v8 - 5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts
Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user's primary, non-privileged account.

v7 - 4.3 Ensure the Use of Dedicated Administrative Accounts
Ensure that all users with administrative account access use a dedicated or secondary account for elevated activities. This account should only be used for administrative activities and not internet browsing, email, or similar activities.

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings: T1548 | TA0004 | M1026