1.6.3 Ensure Exec Timeout for Console Sessions is set

Information

Verify device is configured to automatically disconnect console sessions after a defined maximum session time, set in minutes.

Note there are 3 different timeout values:

-

absolute-timeout: terminate the connection after the specified time has elapsed, regardless of whether the connection is being used at the time of termination.

-

exec-timeout: If no user input is detected during the interval, the EXEC facility returns the terminal to the idle state and disconnects the incoming session

-

session-timeout: Traditionally the VTY can be used for other features than EXEC (CLI), e.g. terminal server, PAD, async lines etc. The session-timeout applies to any sessions running to/through the router on VTY. Use the session-timeout command to set the interval that the Cisco IOS XR software waits for traffic before closing the connection to a remote device and returning the terminal to an idle state.

For management access we need to configure the exec-timeout.

This prevents unauthorized users from misusing abandoned sessions. For example, if the network administrator disconnects leaving a console session open, that session will remain open (in the same state and privilege level) for the next person who connects a console cable to the device.

A shorter timeout is usually desired, but this can be extended for longer-running operations such as debug sessions or software upgrades.

Solution

vty-pool default 0 4 line-template default
line default
exec-timeout 10 0

Impact:

10 minutes is the default exec-timeout for many Cisco Network Operating systems. You should determine the best value for your organization and your work habits.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/10473

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE

References: 800-53|CM-7, 800-53|MA-4

Plugin: Cisco

Control ID: 0b903806a1e8efe0dbf623fee9f8610c00fac3acf1f9aedca00f2d8f08407ad8