Check: AIOS-16-010500
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 STIG:
AIOS-16-010500
(in version v1 r1)
Title
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must implement the management setting: limit Ad Tracking. (Cat III impact)
Discussion
Ad Tracking refers to the advertisers' ability to categorize the device and spam the user with ads that are most relevant to the user's preferences. By not "Force limiting ad tracking", advertising companies are able to gather information about the user and device's browsing habits. If "Limit Ad Tracking" is not limited, a database of browsing habits of DoD devices can be gathered and stored under no supervision of the DoD. By limiting ad tracking, this setting does not completely mitigate the risk, but it limits the amount of information gathering. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
Check Content
Review configuration settings to confirm "Force limited ad tracking" is checked. 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 "Force limited ad tracking" is checked. Alternatively, verify the text "<key>forceLimitAdTracking</key><true/>" 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 iOS management tool containing the management policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Verify "Limit ad tracking enforced" or "Requests to track from apps not allowed" is present. If "limited ad tracking enforced" is missing in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>forceLimitAdTracking</key><false/>" does not appear in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "Limit ad tracking enforced", this is a finding.
Fix Text
Install a configuration profile to limit advertisers' ability to track the user's web browsing preferences.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-254607r862193_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-254607
Group Title: PP-MDF-990000
Expert Comments
CCIs
| Number | Definition |
|---|---|
| CCI-000366 |
The organization implements the security configuration settings. |
| CCI-000370 |
The organization employs automated mechanisms to centrally manage configuration settings for organization-defined information system components. |
| CCI-001199 |
The information system protects the confidentiality and/or integrity of organization-defined information at rest. |