Title

The auxiliary port must be disabled unless it is connected to a secured modem providing encryption and authentication. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

The use of POTS lines to modems connecting to network devices provides clear text of authentication traffic over commercial circuits that could be captured and used to compromise the network. Additional war dial attacks on the device could degrade the device and the production network. Secured modem devices must be able to authenticate users and must negotiate a key exchange before full encryption takes place. The modem will provide full encryption capability (Triple DES) or stronger. The technician who manages these devices will be authenticated using a key fob and granted access to the appropriate maintenance port, thus the technician will gain access to the managed device (router, switch, etc.). The token provides a method of strong (two-factor) user authentication. The token works in conjunction with a server to generate one-time user passwords that will change values at second intervals. The user must know a personal identification number (PIN) and possess the token to be allowed access to the device.

Check Content

Review the configuration and verify the auxiliary port is disabled unless a secured modem providing encryption and authentication is connected. If the auxiliary port is enabled without the use of a secured modem, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Disable the auxiliary port. If used for out-of-band administrative access, the port must be connected to a secured modem providing encryption and authentication.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-7365r4_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-7011

Group Title: The auxiliary port is not disabled.

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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