# Disable freevxfs Kernel Module to Harden Linux Kernel

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000234904-disable-freevxfs-kernel-module-to-harden-linux-kernel
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [CIS Amazon Linux 2 Benchmark v3.0.0](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112696) › [CIS Amazon Linux 2 Benchmarks](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/62000169265)
- Last updated: 2026-05-29
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

**Profile Applicability:**  
• Level 1

**Description:** The freevxfs kernel module supports the Veritas File System (VxFS), a commercial filesystem used in some environments. This module is rarely needed on typical Linux systems.

**Rationale:** Disabling unused kernel modules such as freevxfs reduces the kernel attack surface and limits potential vectors for exploitation.

**Impact:** Pros:

-   Reduces potential kernel attack vectors by disabling unnecessary filesystem support.  
    
-   Enhances overall system security posture.  
    

Cons:

-   Systems that require Veritas File System support will not be able to mount freevxfs filesystems if the module is disabled.  
    

**Default Value:**  
The freevxfs kernel module may be available and loadable by default on some Linux distributions.

**Pre-requisites:**

-   Root or sudo privileges to modify kernel module settings.  
    
-   Access to /etc/modprobe.d/ for configuration changes.
    

**Remediation:**

### **Test Plan:**

**Using Linux command line:**

1.  Check if the freevxfs module is loaded:  
    
     lsmod | grep freevxfs
    
2.  Verify if the module is blacklisted or disabled:  
    
     grep -r freevxfs /etc/modprobe.d/
    
3.  Test module load behavior:  
    
     modprobe -n -v freevxfs
    
    Expected output should indicate the module is disabled, e.g., install /bin/false.  
    

### **Implementation Plan:**

**Using Linux command line:**

1.  Create or edit /etc/modprobe.d/freevxfs.conf:  
    
    echo "install freevxfs /bin/false" > /etc/modprobe.d/freevxfs.conf
     echo "blacklist freevxfs" >> /etc/modprobe.d/freevxfs.conf
    
2.  Unload the module if currently loaded:  
    
     modprobe -r freevxfs
    
3.  Reboot the system or reload kernel module configurations.  
    

### **Backout Plan:**

**Using Linux command line:**

1.  Remove the blacklist and disable entries:  
    
     sed -i '/freevxfs/d' /etc/modprobe.d/freevxfs.conf
    
2.  Optionally reload the module:  
    
     modprobe freevxfs
    
3.  Reboot the system to apply changes.  
    

**References:**

-   CIS Amazon Linux 2 Benchmark v3.0.0  
    
-   [NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5 - CM-7  
    ](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-53/rev-5/final#cm-7)

## Related compliance guidance

- [SOC 2 compliance: a practical implementation guide for cloud-native SaaS teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/soc-2-trust-services-criteria): Configuration checks like this one are the technical half of a SOC 2 / ISO 27001 programme — the guide shows where they fit, what else an auditor expects, and how to evidence them.
- [ISO/IEC 27001:2022 compliance: a practical implementation guide](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/iso-27001-2022): ISO 27001 Annex A.8 (technological controls) is where cloud hardening evidence lands; the guide shows how to run the ISMS around it.