20.10 Ensure 'Telnet Client is not Installed'

Information

This policy setting ensures that the Telnet Client is not installed on the system. Telnet is a a client-server protocol that predates the TCP protocol.

The recommended state for this setting is: Not Installed.

Rationale:

Telnet allows for the transfer of data without encryption. Therefore, it is a security concern that can lead to data theft or leakage.

Impact:

Data will not be transferrable via the Telnet client.

NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Uninstall the Telnet Client from the system.

GUI:

Navigate to Turn Windows Features on or off

Uncheck the Telnet Client option

Click OK

Note: Windows Features will search for the required files and then uninstall the Telnet Client. A reboot is necessary for the change to take place.

CMD Line

Dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Telnet

#Verify the feature has been uninstalled:

Dism /online /Get-FeatureInfo /FeatureName:Telnet

Default Value:

Not Installed.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/13921