Check: RHEL-07-040430
RHEL 7 STIG:
RHEL-07-040430
(in versions v3 r15 through v1 r1)
Title
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system must be configured so that the SSH daemon does not permit Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSSAPI) authentication unless needed. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
GSSAPI authentication is used to provide additional authentication mechanisms to applications. Allowing GSSAPI authentication through SSH exposes the system's GSSAPI to remote hosts, increasing the attack surface of the system. GSSAPI authentication must be disabled unless needed.
Check Content
Verify the SSH daemon does not permit GSSAPI authentication unless approved. Check that the SSH daemon does not permit GSSAPI authentication with the following command: # grep -i gssapiauth /etc/ssh/sshd_config GSSAPIAuthentication no If the "GSSAPIAuthentication" keyword is missing, is set to "yes" and is not documented with the Information System Security Officer (ISSO), or the returned line is commented out, this is a finding.
Fix Text
Uncomment the "GSSAPIAuthentication" keyword in "/etc/ssh/sshd_config" (this file may be named differently or be in a different location if using a version of SSH that is provided by a third-party vendor) and set the value to "no": GSSAPIAuthentication no The SSH service must be restarted for changes to take effect. If GSSAPI authentication is required, it must be documented, to include the location of the configuration file, with the ISSO.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-204598r958796_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-204598
Group Title: SRG-OS-000364-GPOS-00151
Expert Comments
CCIs
| Number | Definition |
|---|---|
| CCI-000318 |
Monitor and review activities associated with configuration-controlled changes to the system. |
| CCI-000368 |
Document any deviations from the established configuration settings for organization-defined system components based on organization-defined operational requirements. |
| CCI-001812 |
The information system prohibits user installation of software without explicit privileged status. |
| CCI-001813 |
Enforce access restrictions using organization-defined mechanisms. |
| CCI-001814 |
The Information system supports auditing of the enforcement actions. |