Title

Apple iOS/iPadOS 15 must implement the management setting: not allow use of Handoff. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

Handoff permits a user of an iPhone and iPad to transition user activities from one device to another. Handoff passes sufficient information between the devices to describe the activity, but app data synchronization associated with the activity is handled though iCloud, which should be disabled on a compliant iPhone and iPad. If a user associates both DoD and personal devices to the same Apple ID, the user may improperly reveal information about the nature of the user's activities on an unprotected device. Disabling Handoff mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47

Check Content

Review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Handoff" is disabled. This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and the iPhone and iPad. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, verify "Allow Handoff" is unchecked. Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowActivityContinuation</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). On the iPhone and iPad: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "Profiles & Device Management" or "Profiles". 4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool containing the restrictions policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Verify "Handoff not allowed" is listed. If "Allow Handoff" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowActivityContinuation</key> <true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "Handoff not allowed", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Install a configuration profile to disable continuation of activities among devices and workstations.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-250951r801944_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-250951

Group Title: PP-MDF-990000

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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