Title

AAA Services must be configured to use protocols that encrypt credentials when authenticating clients, as defined in the PPSM CAL and vulnerability assessments. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Authentication protection of the client credentials (specifically the password or shared secret) prevents unauthorized access to resources. The RADIUS protocol encrypts the password field in the access-request packet, from the client to the AAA server. The remainder of the packet is unencrypted. Other information, such as username, authorized services, and accounting, can be captured by a third-party. TACACS+ encrypts the entire body of the packet but leaves a standard TACACS+ header. Within the header is a field that indicates whether the body is encrypted or not. Other protocols have similar protections. When unencrypted credentials are passed, adversaries can gain access to resources.

Check Content

Verify AAA Services are configured to use protocols that encrypt credentials when authenticating clients. Both the RADIUS and TACACS+ protocols are acceptable when configured to perform encryption. For any protocol implemented, the PPSM CAL and vulnerability assessments must be reviewed to ensure the protocols are properly configured. If AAA Services are not configured to use protocols that encrypt credentials when authenticating clients, as defined in the PPSM CAL and vulnerability assessments, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure AAA Services to use protocols that encrypt credentials when authenticating clients. Both the RADIUS and TACACS+ protocols are acceptable when configured to perform encryption. For any protocol implemented, the PPSM CAL and vulnerability assessments must be reviewed to ensure the protocols are properly configured.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-95527r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-80817

Group Title: SRG-APP-000142-AAA-000020

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.