2.2.13 Ensure rsync services are not in use

Information

The rsyncd.service can be used to synchronize files between systems over network links.

Unless required, the rsync-daemon package should be removed to reduce the potential attack surface.

The rsyncd.service presents a security risk as it uses unencrypted protocols for communication.

Solution

Run the following commands to stop rsyncd.socket and rsyncd.service and remove the rsync-daemon package:

# systemctl stop rsyncd.socket rsyncd.service
# dnf remove rsync-daemon

-OR-

-IF- the rsync-daemon package is required as a dependency:

Run the following commands to stop and mask the rsyncd.socket and rsyncd.service :

# systemctl stop rsyncd.socket rsyncd.service
# systemctl mask rsyncd.socket rsyncd.service

Impact:

There may be packages that are dependent on the rsync-daemon package. If the rsync-daemon package is removed, these dependent packages will be removed as well. Before removing the rsync-daemon package, review any dependent packages to determine if they are required on the system.

-IF- a dependent package is required: stop and mask the rsyncd.socket and rsyncd.service leaving the rsync-daemon package installed.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/15287

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 42ab7a698d47c7fff3c963ac4c6621524f6a95c6d9846d8ebcd3a6ab080f5abb