Title

The macOS system must apply gatekeeper settings to block applications from unidentified developers. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to authenticate software prior to installation. Gatekeeper settings must be configured correctly to only allow the system to run applications downloaded from the Mac App Store or applications signed with a valid Apple Developer ID code. Administrator users will still have the option to override these settings on a per-app basis. Gatekeeper is a security feature that ensures that applications must be digitally signed by an Apple-issued certificate in order to run. Digital signatures allow the macOS to verify that the application has not been modified by a malicious third party.

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to apply gatekeeper settings to block applications from unidentified developers with the following command: /usr/sbin/spctl --status --verbose | /usr/bin/grep -c "developer id enabled" If the result is not "1", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to apply gatekeeper settings to block applications from unidentified developers with the following command: /usr/sbin/spctl --global-enable; /usr/sbin/spctl --enable

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-259509r941149_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-259509

Group Title: SRG-OS-000366-GPOS-00153

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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