Title

IBM z/OS SSH daemon must be configured to only use the SSHv2 protocol. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

In order to prevent unauthorized connection of devices, unauthorized transfer of information, or unauthorized tunneling (i.e., embedding of data types within data types), organizations must disable or restrict unused or unnecessary physical and logical ports/protocols on information systems. Operating systems are capable of providing a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services provided by default may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations. Additionally, it is sometimes convenient to provide multiple services from a single component (e.g., VPN and IPS); however, doing so increases risk over limiting the services provided by any one component. To support the requirements and principles of least functionality, the operating system must support the organizational requirements, providing only essential capabilities and limiting the use of ports, protocols, and/or services to only those required, authorized, and approved to conduct official business or to address authorized quality of life issues.

Check Content

Locate the SSH daemon configuration file, which may be found in /etc/ssh/ directory. Alternately: From UNIX System Services ISPF Shell navigate to ribbon select tools. Select option 1 - Work with Processes. If SSH Daemon is not active, this is not a finding. Examine SSH daemon configuration file. If the variables "Protocol 2,1" or "Protocol 1" are defined on a line without a leading comment, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Edit the sshd_config file and set the "Protocol" setting to "2".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-223588r958480_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-223588

Group Title: SRG-OS-000096-GPOS-00050

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.