UBTU-24-100860 - Ubuntu 24.04 LTS SSH client must be configured to use only Message Authentication Codes (MACs) employing FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic hash algorithms.

Information

Without cryptographic integrity protections, information can be altered by unauthorized users without detection.

Remote access (e.g., RDP) is access to DOD nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless. Nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic activities are those activities conducted by individuals communicating through a network, either an external network (e.g., the internet) or an internal network.

Local maintenance and diagnostic activities are those activities carried out by individuals physically present at the information system or information system component and not communicating across a network connection.

Encrypting information for transmission protects information from unauthorized disclosure and modification. Cryptographic mechanisms implemented to protect information integrity include, for example, cryptographic hash functions that have common application in digital signatures, checksums, and message authentication codes.

Solution

Configure the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS SSH client to use only MACs employing FIPS 140-3 approved algorithms by updating the "/etc/ssh/ssh_config" file with the following line:

MACs [email protected],[email protected],hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256

Restart the "ssh" service for changes to take effect:

$ sudo systemctl restart ssh

See Also

https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/stigs/zip/U_CAN_Ubuntu_24-04_LTS_V1R1_STIG.zip

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL

References: 800-53|AC-17(2), CAT|II, CCI|CCI-001453, Rule-ID|SV-270671r1067118_rule, STIG-ID|UBTU-24-100860, Vuln-ID|V-270671

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 300a2ae2be20e61d5310753a0f71fadc88cdd358c7180ccc0e64e6390d6a1325