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V-258950

CAT II (Medium)

The vCenter Server must disable Username/Password and Windows Integrated Authentication.

Rule ID

SV-258950r961863_rule

STIG

VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R3

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

All forms of authentication other than Common Access Card (CAC) must be disabled. Password authentication can be temporarily reenabled for emergency access to the local Single Sign-On (SSO) accounts or Active Directory user/pass accounts, but it must be disabled as soon as CAC authentication is functional.

Check Content

If a federated identity provider is configured and used for an identity source, this is not applicable.

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Configuration >> Identity Provider >> Smart Card Authentication.

Under "Authentication method", examine the allowed methods.

If "Smart card authentication" is not enabled and "Password and windows session authentication" is not disabled, this is a finding.

Fix Text

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Configuration >> Identity Provider >> Smart Card Authentication.

Next to "Authentication method", click "Edit".

Select to radio button to "Enable smart card authentication".

Click "Save".

To re-enable password authentication for troubleshooting purposes, run the following command on the vCenter Server Appliance:

# /opt/vmware/bin/sso-config.sh -set_authn_policy -pwdAuthn true -winAuthn false -certAuthn false -securIDAuthn false -t vsphere.local