| name | CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.17 Ensure NIS Server is not enabled |
| description | Verify that NIS (ypserv) server is disabled when not required |
| category | cis-os-hardening |
| version | 2.1.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","ubuntu-14.04","level-1","scored","services"] |
| cis_id | 2.2.17 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | medium |
2.2.17 Ensure NIS Server is not enabled (Scored)
Profile Applicability
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
Description
The Network Information Service (NIS) (formally known as Yellow Pages) is a client-server directory service protocol for distributing system configuration files. The NIS server is a collection of programs that allow for the distribution of configuration files.
Rationale
The NIS service is inherently an insecure system that has been vulnerable to DOS attacks, buffer overflows and has poor authentication for querying NIS maps. NIS generally been replaced by such protocols as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). It is recommended that the service be disabled and other, more secure services be used.
Audit Procedure
Run the following commands to verify no start conditions listed for ypserv:
initctl show-config ypserv
Verify the output shows ypserv with no start conditions.
Expected Result
The ypserv service should have no start conditions listed.
Remediation
Remove or comment out start lines in /etc/init/ypserv.conf:
Default Value
NIS server is not enabled by default.
References
- CIS Controls: 9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services
Profile
- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation
