2.2.8 Ensure FTP Server is not enabled

Information

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) provides networked computers with the ability to transfer files.

Rationale:

FTP does not protect the confidentiality of data or authentication credentials. It is recommended SFTP be used if file transfer is required. Unless there is a need to run the system as a FTP server (for example, to allow anonymous downloads), it is recommended that the package be deleted to reduce the potential attack surface.

Solution

Run the following command to disable vsftpd:

# systemctl --now disable vsftpd

Additional Information:

Additional methods of disabling a service exist. Consult your distribution documentation for appropriate methods.

Additional FTP servers also exist and should be audited.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2970

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-4, CSCv6|9.1, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: f9272b00bec180465550f1816f6660f29f8e2e3e3da10ed94ad4bf85b8633195