5.2.10 Ensure SSH root login is disabled

Information

The PermitRootLogin parameter specifies if the root user can log in using ssh(1). The default is no.

Rationale:

Disallowing root logins over SSH requires system admins to authenticate using their own individual account, then escalating to root via sudo or su . This in turn limits opportunity for non-repudiation and provides a clear audit trail in the event of a security incident

Solution

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:

PermitRootLogin no

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2449

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL

References: 800-53|AC-2(9), CSCv7|4.3

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 2638de61139ad39cac2c34230b863cd852d230f09e1f2abcabc260d88ffe5a4e