cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-6

name	cis-ubuntu1204-v110-5-1-6
description	Ensure telnet server is not enabled
category	cis-os-hardening
version	1.1.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu",12.04,"linux","telnet","legacy-services","inetd"]
cis_id	5.1.6
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

5.1.6 Ensure telnet server is not enabled (Scored)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The telnet-server package contains the telnet daemon, which accepts connections from users from other systems via the telnet protocol.

Rationale

The telnet protocol is insecure and unencrypted. The use of an unencrypted transmission medium could allow a user with access to sniff network traffic the ability to steal credentials. The ssh package provides an encrypted session and stronger security.

Audit Procedure

Using Command Line

Ensure the telnet services are not enabled:

grep ^telnet /etc/inetd.conf

Expected Result

No results should be returned.

Remediation

Using Command Line

Remove or comment out any telnet lines in /etc/inetd.conf:

sed -i 's/^telnet/#telnet/' /etc/inetd.conf

Default Value

Not enabled by default on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server.

References

• CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

Profile

Level 1 - Scored