cis-ubuntu1804-v220-1-5-5

name	cis-ubuntu1804-v220-1-5-5
description	Ensure Automatic Error Reporting is not enabled
category	cis-storage
version	2.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-18.04","apport","error-reporting","process-hardening"]
cis_id	1.5.5
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

1.5.5 Ensure Automatic Error Reporting is not enabled (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation

Description

The Apport Error Reporting Service automatically generates crash reports for debugging.

Rationale

Apport collects potentially sensitive data, such as core dumps, stack traces, and log files. They can contain passwords, credit card numbers, serial numbers, and other private material.

Audit Procedure

Command Line

Run the following command to verify that the Apport Error Reporting Service is not enabled:

dpkg-query -s apport > /dev/null 2>&1 && grep -Psi -- '^\h*enabled\h*=\h*[^0]\b' /etc/default/apport

Nothing should be returned.

Run the following command to verify that the apport service is not active:

systemctl is-active apport.service | grep '^active'

Expected Result

Nothing should be returned for both commands.

Remediation

Command Line

Edit /etc/default/apport and add or edit the enabled parameter to equal 0:

enabled=0

Run the following commands to stop and disable the apport service:

systemctl stop apport.service
systemctl --now disable apport.service

-- OR --

Run the following command to remove the apport package:

apt purge apport

Default Value

enabled=1

References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-6

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software		X	X
v7	9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running		X	X

MITRE ATT&CK Mappings

Techniques / Sub-techniques	Tactics