| name | cis-ubuntu1804-v220-3-4-3-2-1 |
| description | Ensure iptables default deny firewall policy |
| category | cis-networking |
| version | 2.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-18.04","networking","firewall","iptables"] |
| cis_id | 3.4.3.2.1 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 - Control 3.4.3.2.1
Description
A default deny all policy on connections ensures that any unconfigured network usage will be rejected.
Rationale
With a default accept policy the firewall will accept any packet that is not configured to be denied. It is easier to allow list acceptable usage than to deny list unacceptable usage.
Impact
- Changing firewall settings while connected over network can result in being locked out of the system
- Remediation will only affect the active system firewall, be sure to configure the default policy in your firewall management to apply on boot as well
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following command and verify that the policy for the INPUT, OUTPUT, and FORWARD chains is DROP or REJECT:
iptables -L -n
Expected Result
Chain INPUT (policy DROP)
Chain FORWARD (policy DROP)
Chain OUTPUT (policy DROP)
Remediation
Command Line
Run the following commands to implement a default DROP policy:
iptables -P INPUT DROP
iptables -P OUTPUT DROP
iptables -P FORWARD DROP
Default Value
accept
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CA-9, SC-7
- CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0
CIS Controls
Version 8
4.4 Implement and Manage a Firewall on Servers - Implement and manage a firewall on servers, where supported.
4.5 Implement and Manage a Firewall on End-User Devices - Implement and manage a host-based firewall or port-filtering tool on end-user devices.
Version 7
9.4 Apply Host-based Firewalls or Port Filtering - Apply host-based firewalls or port filtering tools on end systems, with a default-deny rule that drops all traffic except those services and ports that are explicitly allowed.
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Assessment Status
Automated