5.2.16 Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less - sshd_config

Information

The MaxAuthTries parameter specifies the maximum number of authentication attempts permitted per connection. When the login failure count reaches half the number, error messages will be written to the syslog file detailing the login failure.

Rationale:

Setting the MaxAuthTries parameter to a low number will minimize the risk of successful brute force attacks to the SSH server. While the recommended setting is 4, set the number based on site policy.

Solution

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter as follows:

MaxAuthTries 4

Default Value:

MaxAuthTries 6

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3746