cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-3-1-ensure-nis-client-is-not-installed

name	CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.3.1 Ensure NIS Client is not installed
description	Verify that the NIS client (ypbind) package is not installed
category	cis-os-hardening
version	2.1.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","ubuntu-14.04","level-1","scored","service-clients"]
cis_id	2.3.1
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 14.04 LTS Benchmark v2.1.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	medium

2.3.1 Ensure NIS Client is not installed (Scored)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation

Description

The Network Information Service (NIS), formerly known as Yellow Pages, is a client-server directory service protocol used to distribute system configuration files. The NIS client (ypbind) was used to bind a machine to an NIS server and receive the distributed 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 NIS generally has been replaced by such protocols as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). It is recommended that the service be removed.

Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify nis is not installed:

dpkg -s nis

Expected Result

The command should indicate that the package is not installed (e.g., dpkg-query: package 'nis' is not installed).

Remediation

Run the following command to uninstall nis:

apt-get remove nis

Default Value

nis is not installed by default.

Impact

Many insecure service clients are used as troubleshooting tools and in testing environments. Uninstalling them can inhibit capability to test and troubleshoot. If they are required it is advisable to remove the clients after use to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.

References

• CIS Controls: 2 Inventory of Authorized and Unauthorized Software

Profile

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation