3.4.2 Ensure /etc/hosts.allow is configured

Information

The /etc/hosts.allow file specifies which IP addresses are permitted to connect to the host. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the /etc/hosts.deny file.

Rationale:

The /etc/hosts.allow file supports access control by IP and helps ensure that only authorized systems can connect to the system.

Solution

Run the following command to create /etc/hosts.allow :

# echo 'ALL: <net>/<mask>, <net>/<mask>, ...' >/etc/hosts.allow

where each <net>/<mask> combination (for example, '192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0') represents one network block in use by your organization that requires access to this system.

Additional Information:

Contents of the /etc/hosts.allow file will vary depending on your network configuration.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3738

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|SC-7(5)

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: e92316c4dca5526881724af6c354b225327a00602d40fcdb48232073d3b2193a