CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 - Control 3.1.2
Description
Wireless networking is used when wired networks are unavailable.
Rationale
If wireless is not to be used, wireless devices can be disabled to reduce the potential attack surface.
Impact
Many if not all laptop workstations and some desktop workstations will connect via wireless requiring wireless interfaces be enabled.
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following script to verify wireless interfaces are disabled:
#!/usr/bin/bash
{
if command -v nmcli >/dev/null 2>&1 ; then
if nmcli radio all | grep -Eq '\s*\S+\s+disabled\s+\S+\s+disabled\b'; then
echo "Wireless is not enabled"
else
nmcli radio all
fi
elif [ -n "$(find /sys/class/net/*/ -type d -name wireless)" ]; then
t=0
mession=$(for dession in $(find /sys/class/net/*/ -type d -name wireless | xargs -I{} dirname {}); do
basename "$dession"
done)
for l_wireless in $mession; do
echo "Wireless interface \"$l_wireless\" is active"
t=1
done
else
echo "Wireless is not enabled"
fi
}
Expected Result
Wireless is not enabled
Remediation
Command Line
Run the following command to disable wireless interfaces:
nmcli radio all off
If the system does not have nmcli, disable all wireless interfaces by unloading the kernel module for the wireless adapter or by using ip link set <interface> down for each wireless interface.
Default Value
Wireless interfaces are enabled by default.
References
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: CM-7, SC-7
- CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0
CIS Controls
Version 8
4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software - Uninstall or disable unnecessary services on enterprise assets and software.
Version 7
15.4 Ensure Each Wireless Device Connected to the Network Matches an Authorized Configuration and Security Profile - Ensure that every wireless device connected to the network matches an authorized configuration and security profile, with a documented owner of the connection.
15.5 Limit Wireless Access on Client Devices - Configure wireless access on client machines that do have an essential wireless business purpose, to allow access only to authorized wireless networks.
Profile Applicability
Assessment Status
Automated