Title

The SSH private host key files must have mode 0600 or less permissive. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

If an unauthorized user obtains the private SSH host key file, the host could be impersonated.

Check Content

Check the permissions for SSH private host key files. # ls -lL /etc/ssh/*key If any file has a mode more permissive than 0600, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the permissions for the SSH private host key files. # chmod 0600 /etc/ssh/*key

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-227901r603266_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-227901

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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