| name | cis-ubuntu1604-v200-3-5-2-5 |
| description | Ensure nftables base chains exist |
| category | cis-networking |
| version | 2.0.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-16.04","firewall"] |
| cis_id | 3.5.2.5 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0 - Control 3.5.2.5
Profile
- Level: Level 1 - Server, Level 1 - Workstation
- Assessment Status: Automated
Description
Chains are containers for rules. They exist in two kinds, base chains and regular chains. A base chain is an entry point for packets from the networking stack, a regular chain may be used as jump target and is used for better rule organization.
Rationale
If a base chain doesn't exist with a hook for input, forward, and delete, packets that would flow through those chains will not be touched by nftables.
Impact
If configuring nftables over ssh, creating a base chain with a policy of drop will cause loss of connectivity.
Ensure that a rule allowing ssh has been added to the base chain prior to setting the base chain's policy to drop.
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following commands and verify that base chains exist for INPUT.
nft list ruleset | grep 'hook input'
Run the following commands and verify that base chains exist for FORWARD.
nft list ruleset | grep 'hook forward'
Run the following commands and verify that base chains exist for OUTPUT.
nft list ruleset | grep 'hook output'
Expected Result
type filter hook input priority 0;
type filter hook forward priority 0;
type filter hook output priority 0;
Remediation
Command Line
Run the following command to create the base chains:
nft create chain inet <table name> <base chain name> { type filter hook <(input|forward|output)> priority 0 \; }
Example:
nft create chain inet filter input { type filter hook input priority 0 \; }
nft create chain inet filter forward { type filter hook forward priority 0 \; }
nft create chain inet filter output { type filter hook output priority 0 \; }
References
None
CIS Controls
Version 7