2.2.18 Ensure rsync-daemon is not installed or the rsyncd service is masked

Information

The rsyncd service can be used to synchronize files between systems over network links.

Unless required, the rsync-daemon package should be removed to reduce the attack surface area of the system.

The rsyncd service presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

Note: If a required dependency exists for the rsync-daemon package, but the rsyncd service is not required, the service should be masked.

Solution

Run the following command to remove the rsync package:

# dnf remove rsync-daemon

OR

Run the following commands to mask the rsyncd service:

# systemctl stop rsyncd
# systemctl mask rsyncd

Impact:

There are packages that are dependent on the rsync package. If the rsync package is removed, these packages will be removed as well.

Before removing the rsync-daemon package, review any dependent packages to determine if they are required on the system. If a dependent package is required, mask the rsyncd service and leave the rsync-daemon package installed.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12705

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 523c0723011e7ccff316f8c0068ab10b38f2d8b1802a62f2913e207639dad63a