Check: AOSX-09-000695
Apple OS X 10.9 Workstation STIG:
AOSX-09-000695
(in version v1 r2)
Title
The operating system must employ strong authenticators in the establishment of non-local maintenance and diagnostic sessions. (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. Administrators should be instructed to use an alternate service for remote access sessions that uses encryption, such as SSH.
Check Content
The service 'telnet' should be disabled, to check the status of the service, run the following command: sudo /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c 'print com.apple.telnetd:Disabled' /var/db/launchd.db/com.apple.launchd/overrides.plist If the returned value isn't 'true' or doesn't exist, this is a finding.
Fix Text
To set the 'telnet' service to disabled, run the following command: sudo defaults write /private/var/db/launchd.db/com.apple.launchd/overrides.plist 'com.apple.telnetd' -dict Disabled -bool true
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-72807r1_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-58377
Group Title:
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-000877 |
The organization employs strong authenticators in the establishment of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic sessions. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
MA-4 |
Nonlocal Maintenance |