Host SSH daemon, if enabled, must display the system login banner before granting access

MediumLevel 1Automatedvmware

Description

Implementing a system login banner before granting SSH access ensures that crucial information or notices are conveyed to users attempting to login. The banner text is set through the host's Config.Etc.Issue advanced parameter. The audit reads /etc/ssh/sshd_config and requires a Banner directive pointing to a non-empty file. Runs in the ESXi Shell (busybox sh) as root.

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

f=/etc/ssh/sshd_config; [ -r "$f" ] || exit 1
b=$(awk 'tolower($1)=="banner" {print $2; exit}' "$f")
case "$b" in ''|none) echo 'no SSH Banner configured'; exit 1 ;; esac
[ -s "$b" ] && echo compliant || echo "banner file $b is missing or empty"

Expected output: compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

To remediate this recommendation, configure the approved SSH banner file and Banner directive. Restart SSH only if enabled/authorized and confirm the banner appears before authentication.

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: vmwareesxiservices
Reference: CIS VMware ESXi 8.0 Benchmark v1.4.0 - 6.5.7 Host SSH daemon, if enabled, must display the system login banner before granting access

Check this host

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

shell

tmaegis scan --target vmware