cis-ubuntu1604-v200-1-1-21

name	cis-ubuntu1604-v200-1-1-21
description	Ensure noexec option set on removable media partitions
category	cis-storage
version	2.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-16.04","filesystem","removable-media","noexec","mount-option"]
cis_id	1.1.21
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure noexec option set on removable media partitions

Description

The noexec mount option specifies that the filesystem cannot contain executable binaries.

Rationale

Setting this option on a file system prevents users from executing programs from the removable media. This deters users from being able to introduce potentially malicious software on the system.

Impact

None noted.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

# Run the following command and verify that the noexec option is set on all removable media partitions.
mount

Expected Result

Verify that the noexec option is set on all removable media partitions.

Remediation

Command Line

# Edit the /etc/fstab file and add noexec to the fourth field (mounting options) of all removable media partitions.
# Look for entries that have mount points that contain words such as floppy or cdrom.
# See the fstab(5) manual page for more information.

Default Value

Not set by default.

References

• CIS Controls Version 7 - 2.6 Address unapproved software: Ensure that unauthorized software is either removed or the inventory is updated in a timely manner.

Profile

Level 1 - Server / Level 1 - Workstation, Assessment: Manual