Title

Peripherals other than a keyboard, video monitor, or mouse must not be attached to a KVM switch that is attached to ISs of different classification levels. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

It will be assumed that any peripheral other than a keyboard, video monitor, or mouse attached to a KVM switch is intended to be used regardless of the current configuration of the KVM switch. This peripheral can contain persistent memory that can be used to move data between ISs of different classification levels compromising either the data that was moved and the IS to which the data was moved. When the KVM switch is attached to ISs of different classification levels, the ISSO, the SA, and the user will ensure no peripherals other than the keyboard, video, or mouse is connected to the KVM.

Check Content

The reviewer will view the KVM switch, used in an environment where it is attached to ISs of different classification levels, to verify no peripherals other than the keyboard, video monitor, and mouse are attached. If any other peripherals are attached, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Remove the unauthorized peripheral and block the port it is attached to with a tamper evident seal. NSA IAD Protective Technologies has tamper evident products available for use, including seals for RJ45, D-sub, and USB ports. These can be obtained by contacting them either on NIPRNet at ptproducts@radium.ncsc.mil or on SIPRNet at ptproducts@nsa.smil.mil. When ordering, please specify that this is for use on a DoD Information System and the government use version is needed.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-6884r3_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-6703

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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