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Disable USB storage kernel module

kmod-disable-usb-storage · UBUNTU ≥ 22, RHEL ≥ 8 · 1 impl

Description

USB storage devices can be used to introduce malware or exfiltrate data. The usb-storage kernel module should be disabled on systems where USB storage is not required.

Rationale

Disabling USB storage prevents unauthorized data transfer via removable media and reduces the risk of malware introduction.

Check → Remediate

Checkkernel_module_state
name:
usb-storage
state:
blacklisted
Remediatekernel_module_disable
name:
usb-storage

Framework references

CIS

rhel8 1.1.1.10rhel9 1.1.1.8rhel10 1.1.1.10ubuntu24 1.1.1.10ubuntu22 1.1.1.9

STIG

V-230503V-258034V-270718 / UBTU-24-300039V-260540 / UBTU-22-291010V-281288 / RHEL-10-700850

NIST 800-53

CM-7MP-7

Live verification

rhel10:checkrhel8:checkrhel9:checkubuntu22:checkubuntu24:checkubuntu24:full
#kernel-module#usb#data-protection