Title

The VMM must employ a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs and guest VMs. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Utilizing a whitelist provides a configuration management method for allowing the execution of only authorized software and guest VMs. Using only authorized software decreases risk by limiting the number of potential vulnerabilities and by preventing the execution of malware. The organization must identify authorized software programs and permit execution of authorized software. The process used to identify software programs and guest VMs that are authorized to execute on organizational VMMs is commonly referred to as whitelisting. Verification of white-listed software and guest VMs can occur either prior to execution or at system startup.

Check Content

Verify the VMM employs a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs and guest VMs. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the VMM to employ a deny-all, permit-by-exception policy to allow the execution of authorized software programs and guest VMs.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-207475r958808_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-207475

Group Title: SRG-OS-000370

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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