5.2.22 Ensure SSH MaxSessions is limited

Information

The MaxSessions parameter specifies the maximum number of open sessions permitted from a given connection.

To protect a system from denial of service due to a large number of concurrent sessions, use the rate limiting function of MaxSessions to protect availability of sshd logins and prevent overwhelming the daemon.

Solution

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

MaxSessions 10

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3682

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT, SYSTEM AND SERVICES ACQUISITION

References: 800-53|CM-2, 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, 800-53|CM-7(1), 800-53|CM-9, 800-53|SA-3, 800-53|SA-8, 800-53|SA-10, CSCv7|5.1

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: a9fdb601b7729400c435b46c9debfdbcb1993dd009dda9c347b71859b73fec11