> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/public-exposure/appsec-azure-1.md).

# Azure Virtual Machine (Linux) does not authenticate using SSH keys misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                                            |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AZURE\_1                           |
| Category - Subcategory | Public Exposure - Encryption And Protocols |
| Provider               | AZURE                                      |
| Severity               | LOW                                        |
| Framework              | ARM, Bicep, Terraform, Terraform Plan      |
| Mapped CSPM/KSPM Rule  | ff4fcb80-03f6-41dd-8bd8-6179fd46b3a4       |

## Impact

SSH is an encrypted connection protocol that allows secure sign-ins over unsecured connections. SSH is the default connection protocol for Linux VMs hosted in Azure. Using secure shell (SSH) key pairs, it is possible to spin up a Linux virtual machine on Azure that defaults to using SSH keys for authentication, eliminating the need for passwords to sign in. We recommend connecting to a VM using SSH keys. Using basic authentication with SSH connections leaves VMs vulnerable to brute-force attacks or guessing of passwords.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines

* *Arguments:* disablePasswordAuthentication \[source,go]

***

... "linuxConfiguration": {

* ```
    "disablePasswordAuthentication": "true",
    "ssh": {
      "publicKeys": [
        {
          "path": "string",
          "keyData": "string"
        }
      ]
  ```

## ...


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