cis-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-9

name	cis-ubuntu1604-v200-2-1-9
description	Ensure FTP Server is not installed
category	cis-networking
version	2.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-16.04","services"]
cis_id	2.1.9
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS Benchmark v2.0.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

2.1.9 Ensure FTP Server is not installed (Automated)

Description

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.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

Run the following command to verify vsftpd is not installed:

dpkg -s vsftpd | grep -E '(Status:|not installed)'

Expected Result

dpkg-query: package 'vsftpd' is not installed and no information is available

Remediation

Command Line

Run the following command to remove vsftpd:

apt purge vsftpd

Default Value

vsftpd is not installed on minimal server installations. Additional FTP servers also exist and should be audited.

References

1. CIS Controls v7 - 9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running

Profile

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation