Title

An IIS Server configured to be a SMTP relay must require authentication. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Anonymous SMTP relays are strictly prohibited. An anonymous SMTP relay can be a vector for many types of malicious activity not limited to server exploitation for the sending of SPAM mail, access to emails, phishing, DoS attacks, etc. Enabling TLS, authentication, and strictly assigning IP addresses that can communicate with the relay greatly reduce the risk of the implementation.

Check Content

Interview the System Administrator about the role of the IIS 8.5 web server. If the IIS 8.5 web server is running SMTP relay services, have the SA provide supporting documentation on how the server is hardened. A DoD-issued certificate, and specific allowed IP address should be configured. If the IIS 8.5 web server is not running SMTP relay services, this is Not Applicable. If the IIS web server running SMTP relay services without TLS enabled, this is a finding. If the IIS web server running SMTP relay services is not configured to only allow a specific IP address, from the same network as the relay, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the relay server with a specific allowed IP address, from the same network as the relay, and implement TLS.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-228573r879587_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-228573

Group Title: SRG-APP-000141-WSR-000075

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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