# Disable hfsplus Kernel Module to Strengthen Linux Kernel Security

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000234907-disable-hfsplus-kernel-module-to-strengthen-linux-kernel-security
- 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 hfsplus kernel module provides support for the HFS Plus filesystem, used primarily by newer Apple Macintosh computers. This filesystem support is generally unnecessary on most Linux systems.

**Rationale:** Disabling the hfsplus kernel module when not required reduces the kernel attack surface and prevents exploitation through this filesystem type.

**Impact:** Pros:

-   Reduces kernel attack surface by disabling unused filesystem modules.  
    
-   Enhances overall system security posture.  
    

Cons:

-   Systems requiring HFS Plus support will be unable to mount such filesystems if the module is disabled.  
    

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

**Pre-requisites:**

-   Root or sudo privileges to modify kernel module configurations.  
    
-   Access to /etc/modprobe.d/ for blacklist or disable directives.
    

**Remediation:**

### **Test Plan:**

**Using Linux command line:**

1.  Check if the hfsplus module is loaded:  
    
     lsmod | grep hfsplus
    
2.  Verify blacklist or disable entries:  
    
     grep -r hfsplus /etc/modprobe.d/
    
3.  Test module load behavior:  
    
     modprobe -n -v hfsplus
    
     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/hfsplus.conf:  
    
    echo "install hfsplus /bin/false" > /etc/modprobe.d/hfsplus.conf
     echo "blacklist hfsplus" >> /etc/modprobe.d/hfsplus.conf
    
2.  Unload the module if currently loaded:  
    
     modprobe -r hfsplus
    
3.  Reboot the system or reload module configurations.  
    

### **Backout Plan:**

**Using Linux command line:**

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

**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.