| name | CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.1.5 Ensure time services are not enabled |
| description | Verify that time inetd services are disabled to reduce attack surface |
| category | cis-os-hardening |
| version | 2.1.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","ubuntu-14.04","level-1","scored","inetd"] |
| cis_id | 2.1.5 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | low |
2.1.5 Ensure time services are not enabled (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
time is a network service that responds with the server's current date and time as a 32 bit integer. This service is intended for debugging and testing purposes. It is recommended that this service be disabled.
Rationale
Disabling this service will reduce the remote attack surface of the system.
Audit Procedure
Verify the time service is not enabled. Run the following command and verify results are as indicated:
grep -R "^time" /etc/inetd.*
No results should be returned.
Check /etc/xinetd.conf and /etc/xinetd.d/* and verify all time services have disable = yes set.
Expected Result
No output should be returned from the grep command. All time services in xinetd should have disable = yes.
Remediation
Comment out or remove any lines starting with time from /etc/inetd.conf and /etc/inetd.d/*.
Set disable = yes on all time services in /etc/xinetd.conf and /etc/xinetd.d/*.
Default Value
time services are not enabled by default.
References
- CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
