Ensure only approved MAC algorithms are used

Information

This variable limits the types of MAC algorithms that SSH can use during communication. MD5 and 96-bit MAC algorithms are considered weak and have been shown to increase exploitability in SSH downgrade attacks. Weak algorithms continue to have a great deal of attention as a weak spot that can be exploited with expanded computing power. An attacker that breaks the algorithm could take advantage of a MiTM position to decrypt the SSH tunnel and capture credentials and information

NOTE: Nessus has provided the target output to assist in reviewing the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter in accordance with site policy. The following includes all supported and accepted MACs: MACs hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256

See Also

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/firepower/623/configuration/guide/fpmc-config-guide-v623.html

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-13, CSCv6|3.4

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 13f89f909aa57d928650bed5314aeff9be7351fc700c3e140cca617df9876560