---
title: Verify Permissions on /etc/sysconfig/sshd File
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > Verify Permissions on
  /etc/sysconfig/sshd File
---

# Verify Permissions on /etc/sysconfig/sshd File
 
## Description{% #description %}

To properly set the permissions of `/etc/sysconfig/sshd`, run the command:

```
$ sudo chmod 0640 /etc/sysconfig/sshd
```

## Rationale{% #rationale %}

The `/etc/sysconfig/sshd` file contains configuration options for the SSH daemon. Protection of this file is important for system security. The file should have mode 0640 or more restrictive to prevent unauthorized access and modifications.

## Remediation{% #remediation %}

### Shell script{% #shell-script %}

The following script can be run on the host to remediate the issue.

```bash
#!/bin/bash

# Remediation is applicable only in certain platforms
if rpm --quiet -q kernel-core; then

chmod u-xs,g-xws,o-xwrt /etc/sysconfig/sshd

else
    >&2 echo 'Remediation is not applicable, nothing was done'
fi
```

### Ansible playbook{% #ansible-playbook %}

The following playbook can be run with Ansible to remediate the issue.

```zed
- name: Gather the package facts
  package_facts:
    manager: auto
  tags:
  - CCE-89270-3
  - configure_strategy
  - file_permissions_etc_sysconfig_sshd
  - low_complexity
  - low_disruption
  - medium_severity
  - no_reboot_needed

- name: Test for existence /etc/sysconfig/sshd
  ansible.builtin.stat:
    path: /etc/sysconfig/sshd
  register: file_exists
  when: '"kernel-core" in ansible_facts.packages'
  tags:
  - CCE-89270-3
  - configure_strategy
  - file_permissions_etc_sysconfig_sshd
  - low_complexity
  - low_disruption
  - medium_severity
  - no_reboot_needed

- name: Ensure permission u-xs,g-xws,o-xwrt on /etc/sysconfig/sshd
  ansible.builtin.file:
    path: /etc/sysconfig/sshd
    mode: u-xs,g-xws,o-xwrt
  when:
  - '"kernel-core" in ansible_facts.packages'
  - file_exists.stat is defined and file_exists.stat.exists
  tags:
  - CCE-89270-3
  - configure_strategy
  - file_permissions_etc_sysconfig_sshd
  - low_complexity
  - low_disruption
  - medium_severity
  - no_reboot_needed
```