F5 BIG-IP TMOS ALG STIG Version Comparison

There are 2 differences between versions v1 r1 (Sept. 26, 2024) (the "left" version) and v1 r2 (July 2, 2025) (the "right" version).

Check F5BI-AP-300046 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 F5 BIG-IP appliance providing user authentication intermediary services must require users to reauthenticate when the user's role or information authorizations is changed.

Check Content

If the BIG-IP appliance does not provide user authentication intermediary services, this is not applicable. From the BIG-IP GUI: 1. Access. 2. Profiles/Policies. 3. Access Profiles (Per-Session Policies). 4. Click "Edit" for the Access Profile being used. 5. Verify the Access Profile is configured to require users to reauthenticate when organization-defined circumstances or situations require reauthentication. If the BIG-IP appliance is not configured to require users to reauthenticate when organization-defined circumstances or situations require reauthentication, this is a finding.

Discussion

Without reauthentication, users may access resources or perform tasks for which they do not have authorization. In addition to the reauthentication requirements associated with session locks, organizations may require reauthentication of individuals and/or devices in other situations, including (but not limited to) the following circumstances: 1. When authenticators change; 2. When roles change; 3. When security categories of information systems change; 4. When the execution of privileged functions occurs; 5. After a fixed period of time; 6. Periodically. Within the DOD, the minimum circumstances requiring reauthentication are privilege escalation and role changes. This requirement only applies to components where this is specific to the function of the device or has the concept of user authentication (e.g., VPN or ALG capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (i.e., device management).

Fix

From the BIG-IP GUI: 1. Access. 2. Profiles/Policies. 3. Access Profiles (Per-Session Policies). 4. Click "Edit" for the Access Profile being used. 5. Configure the Access Profile to require users to reauthenticate when organization-defined circumstances or situations require reauthentication. This will also require the administrator to force reauthentication when changes occur that the system cannot automatically detect. Update administrator training and the site's System Security Plan to document this process.