Check: AOSX-09-000605
Apple OS X 10.9 Workstation STIG:
AOSX-09-000605
(in version v1 r2)
Title
The operating system must transmit only cryptographically-protected passwords. (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.
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-72801r1_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-58371
Group Title:
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-000197 |
The information system, for password-based authentication, transmits only cryptographically-protected passwords. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
IA-5 (1) |
Password-Based Authentication |