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4.2.19 Ensure SSH MaxStartups is configured

Information

The MaxStartups parameter specifies the maximum number of concurrent unauthenticated connections to the SSH daemon.

To protect a system from denial of service due to a large number of pending authentication connection attempts, use the rate limiting function of MaxStartups to protect availability of sshd logins and prevent overwhelming the daemon.

Solution

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

MaxStartups 10:30:60

Note: First occurrence of a option takes precedence.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/13007

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT, IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION, SYSTEM AND SERVICES ACQUISITION

References: 800-53|CM-1, 800-53|CM-2, 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, 800-53|CM-7(1), 800-53|CM-9, 800-53|IA-5, 800-53|SA-3, 800-53|SA-8, 800-53|SA-10, CSCv7|5.1

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 8e3b87132531ff754a35bb0225e98bdba9160d9c652871d47409c862794d5d09