Title

Network devices must be password protected. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Network access control mechanisms interoperate to prevent unauthorized access and to enforce the organization's security policy. Access to the network must be categorized as administrator, user, or guest so the appropriate authorization can be assigned to the user requesting access to the network or a network device. Authorization requires an individual account identifier that has been approved, assigned, and configured on an authentication server. Authentication of user identities is accomplished through the use of passwords, tokens, biometrics, or in the case of multi-factor authentication, some combination thereof. Lack of authentication enables anyone to gain access to the network or possibly a network device providing opportunity for intruders to compromise resources within the network infrastructure.

Check Content

Review the network devices configuration to determine if administrative access to the device requires some form of authentication--at a minimum a password is required. If passwords aren't used to administrative access to the device, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the network devices so it will require a password to gain administrative access to the device.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-3012r4_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-3012

Group Title: Network element is not password protected.

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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