Check ID: ec2_instance_port_telnet_exposed_to_internet
Provider: AWS
Service: ec2
Severity: CRITICAL
Categories: internet-exposed
Resource type: AwsEc2Instance

What this check verifies

EC2 instances with security groups allowing inbound Telnet on TCP 23 from the Internet are identified, including open IPv4/IPv6 sources like 0.0.0.0/0 and ::/0. Exposure is evaluated considering public IP assignment and subnet reachability.

Risk

Exposed Telnet weakens confidentiality and integrity: credentials and commands are plaintext, enabling interception and session hijacking. Attackers can brute-force to gain shell, run remote commands, exfiltrate data, and pivot laterally, also threatening availability through misuse or takeover.

Recommendation

Eliminate Telnet: disable the service and block TCP 23. Apply least privilege network access-restrict admin connectivity via SSH through bastion or VPN, keep management paths private, and segregate hosts. Use defense in depth with monitoring and strong authentication for any legacy needs.

Remediation

aws ec2 revoke-security-group-ingress —group-id <SECURITY_GROUP_ID> —protocol tcp —port 23 —cidr 0.0.0.0/0

References

Where this check fires

This check runs on every scheduled scan against your AWS account. Findings appear at Cloud Security → Findings filterable by Check ID = ec2_instance_port_telnet_exposed_to_internet. To re-evaluate after a fix, hit Run now on the account’s schedule under Cloud Security → Schedules — the next scan re-checks this control and marks the finding fixed or keeps it persistent.
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