Title

The Ubuntu operating system must implement NSA-approved cryptography to protect classified information in accordance with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, and standards. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The Ubuntu operating system must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000396-GPOS-00176, SRG-OS-000478-GPOS-00223

Check Content

Verify the system is configured to run in FIPS mode. Check that the system is configured to run in FIPS mode with the following command: # grep -i 1 /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled 1 If a value of "1" is not returned, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the system to run in FIPS mode. Add "fips=1" to the kernel parameter during the Ubuntu operating systems install. Note: Enabling a FIPS mode on a pre-existing system involves a number of modifications to the Ubuntu operating system. Refer to the Ubuntu Server 16.04 FIPS 140-2 security policy document for instructions. A subscription to the "Ubuntu Advantage" plan is required in order to obtain the FIPS Kernel cryptographic modules and enable FIPS.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-214976r610931_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-214976

Group Title: SRG-OS-000396-GPOS-00176

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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