2.3.2 Ensure rsh client is not installed

Information

The rsh package contains the client commands for the rsh services.

Rationale:

These legacy clients contain numerous security exposures and have been replaced with the
more secure SSH package. Even if the server is removed, it is best to ensure the clients are
also removed to prevent users from inadvertently attempting to use these commands and
therefore exposing their credentials. Note that removing the rsh package removes the
clients for rsh , rcp and rlogin .

Solution

Uninstall rsh using the appropriate package manager or manual installation:

yum remove rsh

apt-get remove rsh

zypper remove rsh

Impact:

Many insecure service clients are used as troubleshooting tools and in testing
environments. Uninstalling them can inhibit capability to test and troubleshoot. If they are
required it is advisable to remove the clients after use to prevent accidental or intentional
misuse.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2420

Item Details

Category: IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION

References: 800-53|IA-2(1), CSCv6|3.4, CSCv7|4.5

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 04f17bbc6498cdd01d34a7907e322f48d3adc310ef95925aa67b154b5b26ef02