Title

Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 must allow the administrator (MDM) to perform the following management function: enable/disable VPN protection across the device and [selection: on a per-app basis, on a per-group of applications processes basis]. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

The system administrator must have the capability to configure VPN access to meet organization-specific policies based on mission needs. Otherwise, a user could inadvertently or maliciously set up a VPN and connect to a network that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #3

Check Content

Review the list of unmanaged apps installed on the iPhone and iPad and determine if any unmanaged third-party VPN clients are installed. If so, verify the VPN app is not configured with a DOD network (work) VPN profile. This validation procedure is performed on the iOS device only. On the iPhone and iPad: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap the "VPN and Device Management" line and determine if any "Personal VPN" exists. 4. If not, the requirement has been met. 5. If there are personal VPNs, open each VPN app. Review the list of VPN profiles configured on the VPN client. 6. Verify no DOD network VPN profiles are configured on the VPN client. If any third-party unmanaged VPN apps are installed (personal VPN) and they have a DOD network VPN profile configured on the client, this is a finding. Note: This setting cannot be managed by the MDM administrator and is a User-Based Enforcement (UBE) requirement.

Fix Text

If a third-party unmanaged VPN app is installed on the iOS 26 device, do not configure the VPN app with a DOD network VPN profile.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-278697r1150338_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-278697

Group Title: PP-MDF-331090

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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