Title

SLEM 5 clock must, for networked systems, be synchronized to an authoritative DOD time source at least every 24 hours. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Inaccurate time stamps make it more difficult to correlate events and can lead to an inaccurate analysis. Determining the correct time a particular event occurred on a system is critical when conducting forensic analysis and investigating system events. Sources outside the configured acceptable allowance (drift) may be inaccurate. Synchronizing internal information system clocks provides uniformity of time stamps for information systems with multiple system clocks and systems connected over a network. Organizations should consider endpoints that may not have regular access to the authoritative time server (e.g., mobile, teleworking, and tactical endpoints).

Check Content

Verify that SLEM 5 clock must be configured to synchronize to an authoritative DOD time source when the time difference is greater than one second with the following command: > sudo grep maxpoll /etc/chrony.conf server 0.us.pool.ntp.mil maxpoll 16 If the "server" parameter is not set to an authoritative DOD time source, "maxpoll" is greater than "16", the line is commented out, or the line is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text

SLEM 5 clock must be configured to synchronize to an authoritative DOD time source when the time difference is greater than one second. To configure the system clock to synchronize to an authoritative DOD time source at least every 24 hours, edit the file "/etc/chrony.conf". Add or correct the following lines by replacing "<time_source>" with an authoritative DOD time source: server <time_source> maxpoll 16

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-261311r996404_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-261311

Group Title: SRG-OS-000355-GPOS-00143

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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