Check: AOSX-12-000605
Apple OS X 10.12 STIG:
AOSX-12-000605
(in versions v1 r6 through v1 r1)
Title
The OS X system must not use telnet. (Cat I impact)
Discussion
The "telnet" service must be disabled as it sends all data in a clear-text form that can be easily intercepted and read. The data needs to be protected at all times during transmission, and encryption is the standard method for protecting data in transit. If the data is not encrypted during transmission, it can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. Disabling telnet is one way to mitigate this risk. Administrators should be instructed to use an alternate service for remote access sessions, non-local maintenance sessions, and diagnostic communications that uses encryption, such as SSH. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000074-GPOS-00042, SRG-OS-000125-GPOS-00065, SRG-OS-000250-GPOS-00093, SRG-OS-000393-GPOS-00173, SRG-OS-000394-GPOS-00174
Check Content
To check if the "telnet" service is disabled, use the following command: /usr/bin/sudo /bin/launchctl print-disabled system | /usr/bin/grep com.apple.telnetd If the results do not show the following, this is a finding: "com.apple.telnetd" => true
Fix Text
To disable the "telnet" service, run the following command: /usr/bin/sudo /bin/launchctl disable system/com.apple.telnetd The system may need to be restarted for the update to take effect.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-90769r1_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-76081
Group Title: SRG-OS-000074-GPOS-00042
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-000197 |
The information system, for password-based authentication, transmits only cryptographically-protected passwords. |
CCI-000877 |
The organization employs strong authenticators in the establishment of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic sessions. |
CCI-001453 |
The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of remote access sessions. |
CCI-002890 |
The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic communications. |
CCI-003123 |
The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic communications. |