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Servers – Ensure SSH SSHD Config Permissions Are Configured
Support > Fixing Checks > Server
06 March, 2026
This check ensures that permissions and ownership of /etc/ssh/sshd_config are securely configured.
The /etc/ssh/sshd_config file contains critical SSH daemon configuration settings.
Improper permissions may allow unauthorized users to modify SSH behavior, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.
Check Details
- Resource: Server
- Check: Ensure permissions on SSHD config are configured
- Risk: Incorrect permissions may allow non-privileged users to modify SSH configuration, leading to potential unauthorized access or system compromise.
Remediation Steps
- Open a terminal session on the server with root or sudo privileges.
-
Verify current permissions and ownership of the SSH configuration file:
stat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
-
Ensure that the file is owned by root user and root group:
chown root:root /etc/ssh/sshd_config
-
Set secure permissions so that only the owner has read and write access:
chmod og-rwx /etc/ssh/sshd_config
-
Re-run the verification command to confirm the correct configuration:
stat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
-
Confirm that the output reflects:
- Owner: root
- Group: root
- Permissions: 600 (-rw-------)
- Perform periodic audits to ensure permissions remain correctly configured.