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The system must not permit root logins using remote access programs, such as SSH.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
GEN001120-ESXI5-000051 GEN001120-ESXI5-000051 GEN001120-ESXI5-000051_rule Medium
Description
Even though communications are encrypted, an additional layer of security may be gained by extending the policy of not logging directly on as root. In addition, logging in with a user-specific account preserves the audit trail.
STIG Date
VMware ESXi v5 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2013-01-15

Details

Check Text ( C-GEN001120-ESXI5-000051_chk )
Disable lock down mode. Enable the ESXi Shell.
= /etc/ssh/sshd_config
= PermitRootLogin
= no
Execute the following command(s):
# grep PermitRootLogin /etc/ssh/sshd_config

If "PermitRootLogin" is set to "yes", this is a finding.

Re-enable lock down mode.
Fix Text (F-GEN001120-ESXI5-000051_fix)
Disable lock down mode.
Enable the ESXi Shell.
= /etc/ssh/sshd_config
= PermitRootLogin
= no
Execute the following command(s):
# vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Set "PermitRootLogin" to "no".

Re-enable lock down mode.