Ensure sshd PermitRootLogin is disabled

HighLevel 1Automatedfreebsd

Description

The PermitRootLogin parameter specifies if the root user can log in using SSH. The default is prohibit-password. Disallowing root logins over SSH requires system admins to authenticate using their own individual account, then escalating to root. This limits opportunity for non- repudiation and provides a clear audit trail in the event of a security incident. Audit: evaluates the effective configuration from `sshd -T` (Match blocks must be reviewed separately).

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

command -v sshd >/dev/null 2>&1 || exit 1; out=$(sshd -T 2>/dev/null) || exit 1; r=compliant; for p in '^permitrootlogin[[:blank:]]+no$'; do printf '%s\n' "$out" | grep -Eiq -- "$p" || r="not matched: $p"; done; echo "$r"

Expected output: compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to set the parameter above any Include entries as follows: PermitRootLogin no

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: freebsdssh
Reference: CIS FreeBSD 14 Benchmark v1.0.1 - 4.2.19 Ensure sshd PermitRootLogin is disabled

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target freebsd