cis-ubuntu2004-v300-2-3-2-2

name	cis-ubuntu2004-v300-2-3-2-2
description	Ensure systemd-timesyncd is enabled and running
category	cis-networking
version	3.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-20.04","time-sync","systemd-timesyncd"]
cis_id	2.3.2.2
cis_benchmark	CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0
tech_stack	["ubuntu","linux"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure systemd-timesyncd is enabled and running

Profile

• Level 1 - Server
• Level 1 - Workstation

Description

systemd-timesyncd is a daemon that has been added for synchronizing the system clock across the network

Rationale

systemd-timesyncd needs to be enabled and running in order to synchronize the system to a timeserver.

Time synchronization is important to support time sensitive security mechanisms and to ensure log files have consistent time records across the enterprise to aid in forensic investigations

Audit

• IF - systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is enabled:

Command Line

# systemctl is-enabled systemd-timesyncd.service

Output:

enabled

Run the following command to verify that the systemd-timesyncd service is active:

# systemctl is-active systemd-timesyncd.service

Output:

active

Remediation

• IF - systemd-timesyncd is in use on the system, run the following commands:

Run the following command to unmask systemd-timesyncd.service:

Command Line

# systemctl unmask systemd-timesyncd.service

Run the following command to enable and start systemd-timesyncd.service:

# systemctl --now enable systemd-timesyncd.service

- OR -

If another time synchronization service is in use on the system, run the following command to stop and mask systemd-timesyncd:

# systemctl --now mask systemd-timesyncd.service

References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-7, AU-8

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	8.4 Standardize Time SynchronizationStandardize time synchronization. Configure at least two synchronized time sources across enterprise assets, where supported.