4.2.12 Ensure SSH X11 forwarding is disabled

Information

The X11Forwarding parameter provides the ability to tunnel X11 traffic through the connection to enable remote graphic connections.

Disable X11 forwarding unless there is an operational requirement to use X11 applications directly. There is a small risk that the remote X11 servers of users who are logged in via SSH with X11 forwarding could be compromised by other users on the X11 server. Note that even if X11 forwarding is disabled, users can always install their own forwarders.

Solution

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter above any Include entries as follows:

X11Forwarding no

Note: First occurrence of a option takes precedence, Match set statements withstanding. If Include locations are enabled, used, and order of precedence is understood in your environment, the entry may be created in a file in Include location.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/13775

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

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

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: dac045b042d0ebf8c333c16e072bd4f2fd11292420a63be291202a3216bf8603