Title

The Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system must be configured so that the SSH daemon is configured to only use Message Authentication Codes (MACs) employing FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hash algorithms. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

DoD information systems are required to use FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hash functions. The only SSHv2 hash algorithm meeting this requirement is SHA. The system will attempt to use the first hash presented by the client that matches the server list. Listing the values "strongest to weakest" is a method to ensure the use of the strongest hash available to secure the SSH connection.

Check Content

Verify the SSH daemon is configured to only use MACs employing FIPS 140-2-approved hashes. Note: If RHEL-07-021350 is a finding, this is automatically a finding as the system cannot implement FIPS 140-2-approved cryptographic algorithms and hashes. Check that the SSH daemon is configured to only use MACs employing FIPS 140-2-approved hashes with the following command: # grep -i macs /etc/ssh/sshd_config MACs hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256 If any hashes other than "hmac-sha2-512" or "hmac-sha2-256" are listed, the order differs from the example above, they are missing, or the returned line is commented out, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Edit the "/etc/ssh/sshd_config" file to uncomment or add the line for the "MACs" keyword and set its value to "hmac-sha2-512" and/or "hmac-sha2-256" (this file may be named differently or be in a different location if using a version of SSH that is provided by a third-party vendor): MACs hmac-sha2-512,hmac-sha2-256 The SSH service must be restarted for changes to take effect.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-204595r991554_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-204595

Group Title: SRG-OS-000250-GPOS-00093

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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