VMware vSphere 8.0 ESXi STIG Version Comparison

There are 2 differences between versions v2 r1 (Aug. 1, 2024) (the "left" version) and v2 r3 (April 2, 2025) (the "right" version).

Check ESXI-80-000161 was removed from the benchmark in the "right" version. The text below reflects the old wording.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

The ESXi host must maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information during transmission by exclusively enabling Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2.

Check Content

From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters. Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Advanced System Settings. Select the "UserVars.ESXiVPsDisabledProtocols" value and verify it is set to "sslv3,tlsv1,tlsv1.1". or From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host, run the following command: Get-VMHost | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name UserVars.ESXiVPsDisabledProtocols If the "UserVars.ESXiVPsDisabledProtocols" setting is set to a value other than "sslv3,tlsv1,tlsv1.1", this is a finding.

Discussion

TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are deprecated protocols with well-published shortcomings and vulnerabilities. TLS 1.2 should be enabled on all interfaces and SSLv3, TL 1.1, and 1.0 disabled, where supported. Mandating TLS 1.2 may break third-party integrations and add-ons to vSphere. Test these integrations carefully after implementing TLS 1.2 and roll back where appropriate. On interfaces where required functionality is broken with TLS 1.2, this finding is not applicable until such time as the third-party software supports TLS 1.2. Modify TLS settings in the following order: 1. vCenter. 2. ESXi. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000425-VMM-001710, SRG-OS-000426-VMM-001720

Fix

From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters. Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Advanced System Settings. Click "Edit". Select the "UserVars.ESXiVPsDisabledProtocols" value and configure it to "sslv3,tlsv1,tlsv1.1". or From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host, run the following command: Get-VMHost | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name UserVars.ESXiVPsDisabledProtocols | Set-AdvancedSetting -Value "sslv3,tlsv1,tlsv1.1"