SSH Configuration Scanner
Analyzes SSH configuration for weak algorithms and settings.
What is SSH Configuration?
SSH Configuration testing evaluates secure shell implementations for: weak encryption algorithms, vulnerable key exchange methods, deprecated authentication mechanisms (password vs keys), version-specific vulnerabilities, and insecure settings like root login or X11 forwarding. SSH is critical infrastructure requiring proper hardening.
Why is This Important?
SSH provides remote administrative access—misconfiguration means attackers can gain complete system control. Weak algorithms can be broken. Password authentication enables brute force. Legacy versions have known exploits. SSH is often internet-exposed, making it a constant target.
How It Works
1. Network Discovery
Scans and fingerprints network services, identifying open ports, protocols, and service versions.
2. Protocol Analysis
Tests protocol implementations for misconfigurations, weak encryption, and known vulnerabilities.
3. Infrastructure Assessment
Provides comprehensive network security posture with prioritized remediation recommendations.
Key Capabilities
Enterprise network security assessment covering infrastructure, protocols, and service configurations.
- Comprehensive port and service discovery
- Protocol-specific vulnerability checks
- TLS/SSL configuration analysis
- Legacy protocol detection and assessment
- Network segmentation validation
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SSH algorithms should be disabled?
Disable: DSA keys (insecure), RSA keys < 2048 bits, CBC mode ciphers (older attacks), arcfour/RC4 (broken), MD5-based MACs, and diffie-hellman-group1 (logjam). Use: Ed25519 or RSA 4096 for keys, ChaCha20-Poly1305 or AES-GCM ciphers, SHA-2 MACs.
Should password authentication be disabled?
Yes, when possible. Key-based authentication is far stronger and immune to brute force. If passwords are required, enforce strong passwords, implement fail2ban, use multi-factor auth (Google Authenticator PAM), and monitor for attacks. Never allow empty passwords.
What SSH version vulnerabilities exist?
SSH-1 is completely broken—never use. Older OpenSSH versions have various CVEs. Keep SSH updated. Notable vulns: CVE-2023-38408 (agent forwarding), CVE-2016-10009 (agent socket issues). Use ssh -V to check version and compare against known vulnerabilities.
What other SSH settings should I harden?
Harden: disable root login (use sudo), limit allowed users/groups, disable X11/agent forwarding if unused, set idle timeout, use AllowTcpForwarding carefully, implement port knocking or move off port 22, and enable logging for audit trails.
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