Title

WLAN EAP-TLS implementation must use certificate-based PKI authentication to connect to DoD networks. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

DoD certificate-based PKI authentication is strong, two-factor authentication that relies on carefully evaluated cryptographic modules. Implementations of EAP-TLS that are not integrated with certificate-based PKI could have security vulnerabilities. For example, an implementation that uses a client certificate on laptop without a second factor could enable an adversary with access to the laptop to connect to the WLAN without a PIN or password. Systems that do not use the certificate-based PKI are also much more likely to be vulnerable to weaknesses in the underlying public key infrastructure (PKI) that supports EAP-TLS.

Check Content

Detailed Policy Requirements: Certificate-based PKI authentication must be used to connect WLAN client devices to DoD networks. The certificate-based PKI authentication should directly support the WLAN EAP-TLS implementation. At least one layer of user authentication must enforce network authentication requirements (e.g., CAC authentication) before the user is able to access DoD information resources. Check Procedures: Interview the site ISSO and SA. Determine if the site’s network is configured to require certificate-based PKI authentication before a WLAN user is connected to the network. If certificate-based PKI authentication is not required prior to a DoD WLAN user accessing the DoD network, this is a finding. Note: This check does not apply to medical devices. Medical devices are permitted to connect to the WLAN using pre-shared keys.

Fix Text

Integrate certificate-based PKI authentication into the WLAN authentication process.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-39895r3_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-30257

Group Title: WLAN DoD authentication

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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