5.2.6 Ensure sudo timestamp_timeout is configured

Information

sudo timestamp_timeout controls how long a user's sudo privileges remain active after the initial password entry.

A timeout value reduces the window of opportunity for unauthorized privileged sudo access.

Solution

Create or modify the administrator customization file in the /etc/sudoers.d/ directory using visudo -f <PATH TO FILE> and modify the entry timestamp_timeout= to 15 minutes or less as per your site policy:

Example

Defaults timestamp_timeout=5

Note:

- The timestamp_timeout value is in minutes.
- If the timestamp_timeout is set to zero, you are prompted for the root password for every execution of a sudo command.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/26236