2.1.19 Ensure xinetd services are not in use

Information

The X Window System provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) where users can have multiple windows in which to run programs and various add on. The X Windows system is typically used on workstations where users login, but not on servers where users typically do not login.

Unless your organization specifically requires graphical login access via X Windows, remove it to reduce the potential attack surface.

Solution

Run the following commands to stop xinetd.service and remove the xinetd package:

# systemctl stop xinetd.service
# apt purge xinetd

-OR-

-IF- the xinetd package is required as a dependency:

Run the following commands to stop and mask the xinetd.service :

# systemctl stop xinetd.service
# systemctl mask xinetd.service

Impact:

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

-IF- a dependent package is required: stop and mask xinetd.service leaving the xinetd package installed.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/17045

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

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

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 5751eea01f7c240f2619be4e9a40581cce006b912f282e8522415944e4dd67a9