cis-gcp-cos-5-1-10

name	cis-gcp-cos-5.1.10
description	Ensure SSH root login is disabled
category	cis-gcp-cos
version	1.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","gcp","container-optimized-os","ssh","sshd","sshd-config","authentication"]
cis_id	5.1.10
cis_benchmark	CIS Google Container-Optimized OS Benchmark v1.2.0
tech_stack	["gcp","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

5.1.10 Ensure SSH root login is disabled (Automated)

Description

The PermitRootLogin parameter specifies if the root user can log in using ssh. The default is no.

Rationale

Disallowing root logins over SSH requires system admins to authenticate using their own individual account, then escalating to root via sudo or su. This in turn limits opportunity for non-repudiation and provides a clear audit trail in the event of a security incident.

Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

# sshd -T | grep permitrootlogin

PermitRootLogin no

Expected Result

Output should show PermitRootLogin no.

Remediation

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:

PermitRootLogin no

Default Value

PermitRootLogin without-password

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts	x	x	x
v7	4.3 Ensure the Use of Dedicated Administrative Accounts	x	x	x

Profile

• Level 1 - Server