Title

The operating system must reveal error messages only to authorized users. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Only authorized personnel should be aware of errors and the details of the errors. Error messages are an indicator of an organization's operational state or can identify the operating system or platform. Additionally, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and operational information must not be revealed through error messages to unauthorized personnel or their designated representatives. The structure and content of error messages must be carefully considered by the organization and development team. The extent to which the information system is able to identify and handle error conditions is guided by organizational policy and operational requirements.

Check Content

Verify the operating system reveals error messages only to authorized users. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the operating system to reveal error messages only to authorized users.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-203664r557239_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-203664

Group Title: SRG-OS-000206

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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