1.1.23 Disable USB Storage - lsmod

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Information

USB storage provides a means to transfer and store files insuring persistence and availability of the files independent of network connection status. Its popularity and utility has led to USB-based malware being a simple and common means for network infiltration and a first step to establishing a persistent threat within a networked environment. Restricting USB access on the system will decrease the physical attack surface for a device and diminish the possible vectors to introduce malware.

Solution

Edit or create a file in the /etc/modprobe.d/ directory ending in .conf Example: vim /etc/modprobe.d/usb_storage.conf and add the following line: install usb-storage /bin/true Run the following command to unload the usb-storage module: rmmod usb-storage An alternative solution to disabling the usb-storage module may be found in USBGuard. Use of USBGuard and construction of USB device policies should be done in alignment with site policy.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2608