How to Disable RIP on an AIX

Add static routes to a server if necessary rather than enabling a dynamic routing protocol such as RIP.

Secure a Unix AIX platform computer by disabling services that are not necessary or that provide malicious attackers with an attack vector that can be used against the AIX computer or the network. If the "Routed" service (which uses the RIP protocol) is enabled on the AIX computer, it should be disabled to prevent possible network route poisoning and DOS (Denial Of Service) attacks. Use the "Vi" and "PS" command line tools to disable the RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and help secure the AIX system.

Instructions

1. Open a command line terminal console on the AIX computer. Type "vi /etc/inetd.conf" at the command prompt and tap the "Enter" key.

2. Use the "Arrow" keys to navigate the cursor to the beginning of the line that starts with "routed."

3. Press the "I" key. Type "#" in front of "routed." Press the "ESC" key. Type ":wq" and tap the "Enter" key.

4. Enter "vi /etc/rc.tcpip" on the command line and press the "Enter" key. Use the "Arrow" keys to place the cursor in front of the "start /usr/sbin/routed "$src_running" --g" line. Press the "I" key. Type "#" in front of the "start /usr/sbin/routed "$src_running" --g" line. Tap the "ESC" key. Type ":wq" and press the "Enter" key.

5. Type "ps --e --f" at the command prompt and tap the "Enter" key. Note the number under the "PID" column listed in the same row at the "routed" process. Type "kill --HUP 1111," except replace "1111" with the PID number for the "routed" process noted earlier. Press the "Enter" key.

References

• IBM Internet Security Systems: Routed Service Active (routed)
• IBM: Routed Daemon
• IBM: RC.TCPIP File for TCP/IP
• IBM: PS Command
• IBM: Vi Intro -- The Cheat Sheet Method