Cisco IOS Switch L2S STIG Version Comparison

There are 5 differences between versions v2 r2 (July 23, 2021) (the "left" version) and v2 r4 (Oct. 25, 2023) (the "right" version).

Check CISC-L2-000010 was removed from the benchmark in the "right" version. The text below reflects the old wording.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

The Cisco switch must be configured to disable non-essential capabilities.

Check Content

Review the switch configuration to verify that the switch does not have any unnecessary or non-secure services enabled. For example, the following commands should not be in the configuration: boot network ip boot server ip bootp server ip dns server ip identd ip finger ip http server ip rcmd rcp-enable ip rcmd rsh-enable service config service finger service tcp-small-servers service udp-small-servers service pad Note: ip http server can be enabled provided that the "ip http active-session-modules none" command is configured for scenarios such as ISE sending URL redirects to the switch. If any unnecessary services are enabled, this is a finding.

Discussion

A compromised switch introduces risk to the entire network infrastructure as well as data resources that are accessible via the network. The perimeter defense has no oversight or control of attacks by malicious users within the network. Preventing network breaches from within is dependent on implementing a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy, including securing each device connected to the network. This is accomplished by following and implementing all security guidance applicable for each node type. A fundamental step in securing each switch is to enable only the capabilities required for operation.

Fix

Disable the following services if enabled as shown in the example below: SW2(config)#no boot network SW2(config)#no ip boot server SW2(config)#no ip bootp server SW2(config)#no ip dns server SW2(config)#no ip identd SW2(config)#no ip finger SW2(config)#no ip http server SW2(config)#no ip rcmd rcp-enable SW2(config)#no ip rcmd rsh-enable SW2(config)#no service config SW2(config)#no service finger SW2(config)#no service tcp-small-servers SW2(config)#no service udp-small-servers SW2(config)#no service pad