Title

The macOS system must be configured to disable Remote Apple Events. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

It is detrimental for operating systems to provide, or install by default, functionality exceeding requirements or mission objectives. These unnecessary capabilities or services are often overlooked and therefore may remain unsecured. They increase the risk to the platform by providing additional attack vectors. Operating systems can provide a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services, provided by default, may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations (e.g., key missions, functions). Examples of nonessential capabilities include but are not limited to games, software packages, tools, and demonstration software not related to requirements or providing a wide array of functionality not required for every mission but that cannot be disabled. Remote Apple Events must be disabled.

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to disable Remote Apple Events with the following command: /bin/launchctl print-disabled system | /usr/bin/grep com.apple.AEServer "com.apple.AEServer" => disabled If the results are not "com.apple.AEServer => disabled", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to disable Remote Apple Events with the following command: /usr/bin/sudo /bin/launchctl disable system/com.apple.AEServer The system may need to be restarted for the update to take effect.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-257201r905236_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-257201

Group Title: SRG-OS-000096-GPOS-00050

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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