Title

The option to enable online certificate validation must be locked. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Online certificate validation provides a real-time option to validate a certificate. When enabled, if a certificate is presented, the status of the certificate is requested. The status is sent back as 'current', 'expired', or 'unknown'. Online certificate validation provides a greater degree of validation of certificates when running a signed Java applet. Permitting execution of an applet with an invalid certificate may result in malware, system modification, invasion of privacy, and denial of service. Ensuring users cannot change settings contributes to a more consistent security profile.

Check Content

If the system is on the SIPRNET, this requirement is NA. Navigate to the 'deployment.properties' file for Java. For 32 bit systems: C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties. For 64 bit systems you must check both the 64 bit and the 32 bit files: C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties If the key 'deployment.security.validation.ocsp.locked' is not present in the deployment.properties file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

If the system is on the SIPRNET, this requirement is NA. Lock the 'Enable online certificate validation' option. Navigate to the 'deployment.properties' file for Java. For 32 bit systems: C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties. For 64 bit systems you must check both the 64 bit and the 32 bit files: C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\lib\deployment.properties Add the key 'deployment.security.validation.ocsp.locked' to the deployment.properties file.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-43223r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-32833

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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