Title

The macOS system must be configured with a firmware password to prevent access to single user mode and booting from alternative media. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Single user mode and the boot picker, as well as numerous other tools are available on macOS through booting while holding the "Option" key down. Setting a firmware password restricts access to these tools.

Check Content

For Apple Silicon-based systems, this is Not Applicable. For Intel-based systems, ensure that a firmware password is set, run the following command: $ sudo /usr/sbin/firmwarepasswd -check If the return is not "Password Enabled: Yes", this is a finding.

Fix Text

To set a firmware passcode use the following command. sudo /usr/sbin/firmwarepasswd -setpasswd Note: If firmware password or passcode is forgotten, the only way to reset the forgotten password is through the use of a machine specific binary generated and provided by Apple. Schedule a support call, and provide proof of purchase before the firmware binary will be generated.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-252526r816483_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-252526

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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