All AlmaLinux OS 9 networked systems must have the OpenSSH client installed.

STIG ID: ALMA-09-042700  |  SRG: SRG-OS-000423-GPOS-00187 |  Severity: high |  CCI: CCI-002418 |  Vulnerability Id: V-269436

Vulnerability Discussion

Without protection of the transmitted information, confidentiality and integrity may be compromised because unprotected communications can be intercepted and either read or altered.

This requirement applies to both internal and external networks and all types of information system components from which information can be transmitted (e.g., servers, mobile devices, notebook computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and facsimile machines). Communication paths outside the physical protection of a controlled boundary are exposed to the possibility of interception and modification.

Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of organizational information can be accomplished by physical means (e.g., employing physical distribution systems) or by logical means (e.g., employing cryptographic techniques). If physical means of protection are employed, then logical means (cryptography) do not have to be employed, and vice versa.

Check

Verify that AlmaLinux OS 9 has the openssh client package installed with the following command:

$ dnf list --installed openssh

Installed Packages
openssh.x86_64 8.7p1-28.el9 @anaconda

If the "openssh" client package is not installed, this is a finding.

Fix

The openssh client package can be installed with the following command:

$ dnf install openssh