Rule version AIX7-00-002117 · STIG v3 · 2026-08-31
X11 forwarding over SSH allows for the secure remote execution of X11-based applications. This feature can increase the attack surface of an SSH connection and should not be enabled unless needed.
If X11 forwarding has been authorized for use, this is Not Applicable.
Check the SSH daemon configuration for the "X11Forwarding" directive using command:
# grep -i X11Forwarding /etc/ssh/sshd_config | grep -v '^#' X11Forwarding no
If the setting is not present or the setting is "yes", this is a finding.
Edit the "/etc/sshd/sshd_config" file to add the following line and save the change: X11Forwarding no
Restart the SSH daemon: # stopsrc -s sshd # startsrc -s sshd