Title

Virtual machines (VMs) must remove unneeded floppy devices. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Ensure no device is connected to a virtual machine if it is not required. For example, floppy, serial, and parallel ports are rarely used for virtual machines in a data center environment, and CD/DVD drives are usually connected only temporarily during software installation.

Check Content

Floppy drives are no longer visible through the vSphere Client and must be done via the Application Programming Interface (API) or PowerCLI. From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command: Get-VM | Get-FloppyDrive | Select Parent, Name, ConnectionState If a virtual machine has a floppy drive connected, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Floppy drives are no longer visible through the vSphere Client and must be done via the Application Programming Interface (API) or PowerCLI. The VM must be powered off to remove a floppy drive. From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command: Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-FloppyDrive | Remove-FloppyDrive

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-258722r959010_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-258722

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-VMM-002000

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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