| name | CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 1.4.2 Ensure bootloader password is set |
| description | Verify that a bootloader password is set to prevent unauthorized boot parameter changes |
| category | cis-os-hardening |
| version | 2.1.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","ubuntu-14.04","level-1","scored","boot"] |
| cis_id | 1.4.2 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | high |
1.4.2 Ensure bootloader password is set (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
Setting the boot loader password will require that anyone rebooting the system must enter a password before being able to set command line boot parameters.
Rationale
Requiring a boot password upon execution of the boot loader will prevent an unauthorized user from entering boot parameters or changing the boot partition. This prevents users from weakening security (e.g. turning off SELinux at boot time).
Audit Procedure
Run the following commands and verify output matches:
grep "^set superusers" /boot/grub/grub.cfg
grep "^password" /boot/grub/grub.cfg
Expected Result
set superusers="<username>"
password_pbkdf2 <username> <encrypted-password>
Remediation
Create an encrypted password with grub-mkpasswd-pbkdf2:
grub-mkpasswd-pbkdf2
Add the following into /etc/grub.d/00_header or a custom /etc/grub.d configuration file:
cat <<EOF
set superusers="<username>"
password_pbkdf2 <username> <encrypted-password>
EOF
Run the following command to update the grub2 configuration:
update-grub
Default Value
No bootloader password is set by default.
Notes
This recommendation is designed around the grub bootloader, if LILO or another bootloader is in use in your environment enact equivalent settings.
References
- CIS Controls: 5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
