Check: AOSX-10-000690
Apple OS X 10-10 Workstation STIG:
AOSX-10-000690
(in versions v1 r5 through v1 r4)
Title
Operating systems used for non-local maintenance sessions must implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of non-local maintenance and diagnostic communications. (Cat I impact)
Discussion
The telnet service must be disabled, as it sends all data, including the user's password, in a clear text form that can be easily intercepted and read. Passwords need to be protected at all times and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. Disabling telnet is one way to mitigate this risk. Administrator users should be instructed to use an alternate service that implements cryptography such as SSH.
Check Content
To check if the 'telnet' service is disabled, use the following command: sudo launchctl print-disabled system | grep com.apple.telnetd If the results do not show the following: "com.apple.telnetd" => true this is a finding.
Fix Text
To disable the 'telnet' service, run the following command: sudo launchctl disable system/com.apple.telnetd The system may need to be restarted for the update to take effect.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-74103r1_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-59673
Group Title:
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-002890 |
The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic communications. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
MA-4 (6) |
Cryptographic Protection |