Details

The `FAT` filesystem format is primarily used on older windows systems and portable USB drives or flash modules. It comes in three types `FAT12` , `FAT16` , and `FAT32` all of which are supported by the `vfat` kernel module.

Removing support for unneeded filesystem types reduces the local attack surface of the system. If this filesystem type is not needed, disable it.

Solution

Edit or create the file `/etc/modprobe.d/CIS.conf` and add the following line:
“`
install vfat /bin/true
“`
Run the following command to unload the `vfat` module:
“`
# rmmod vfat
“`

Supportive Information

The following resource is also helpful.

• https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1863

This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Configuration Management.This control applies to the following type of system Unix.

References

• 800-53|CM-7b.
• CSCv6|13

Source

• Tenable.com/audits