# 2.3.4 Ensure telnet client is not installed # # Description # =========== # The telnet package contains the telnet client, which allows users to start # connections to other systems via the telnet protocol. # # Rationale # ========= # The telnet protocol is insecure and unencrypted. The use of an unencrypted # transmission medium could allow an unauthorized user to steal credentials. # The ssh package provides an encrypted session and stronger security and is # included in most Linux distributions. # # Audit # ===== # Run the following command and verify telnet is not installed: # # # dpkg -s telnet # # Remediation # =========== # Run the following command to uninstall telnet : # # # apt-get remove telnet # # Impact # ====== # Many insecure service clients are used as troubleshooting tools and in # testing environments. Uninstalling them can inhibit capability to test and # troubleshoot. If they are required it is advisable to remove the clients # after use to prevent accidental or intentional misuse. # parameters: linux: system: package: telnet: version: removed