Title

The Ubuntu operating system must not be performing packet forwarding unless the system is a router. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Routing protocol daemons are typically used on routers to exchange network topology information with other routers. If this software is used when not required, system network information may be unnecessarily transmitted across the network.

Check Content

Verify the Ubuntu operating system is not performing packet forwarding, unless the system is a router. Check to see if IP forwarding is enabled using the following command: # /sbin/sysctl -a | grep net.ipv4.ip_forward net.ipv4.ip_forward=0 If IP forwarding value is "1" and is not documented with the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) as an operational requirement , this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the Ubuntu operating system to not allow packet forwarding, unless the system is a router with the following command: # sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=0 If "0" is not the system's default value then add or update the following line in "/etc/sysctl.conf" or in the appropriate file under "/etc/sysctl.d": net.ipv4.ip_forward=0

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-215153r610931_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-215153

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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