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Domain Name System (DNS) Security Requirements Guide

Version

V4R2

Release Date

Dec 19, 2025

SCAP Benchmark ID

DNS_SRG

Total Checks

119

Tags

other
CAT I: 5CAT II: 114CAT III: 0

This Security Requirements Guide is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DOD) information systems. The requirements are derived from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 and related documents. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via email to the following address: disa.stig_spt@mail.mil.

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Checks (119)

V-205157MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must limit the number of concurrent sessions for zone transfers to the number of secondary name servers.V-205158MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must limit the number of concurrent sessions client connections to the number of allowed dynamic update clients.V-205160MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must be configured to provide audit record generation capability for DoD-defined auditable events within all DNS server components.V-205161MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must produce audit records containing information to establish what type of events occurred.V-205162MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must produce audit records containing information to establish when (date and time) the events occurred.V-205163MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must produce audit records containing information to establish where the events occurred.V-205164MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must produce audit records containing information to establish the source of the events.V-205165MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must produce audit records that contain information to establish the outcome of the events.V-205166MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must generate audit records containing information that establishes the identity of any individual or process associated with the event.V-205167MEDIUMThe DNS server implementations audit records must be backed up at least every seven days onto a different system or system component than the system or component being audited.V-205168MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must be configured to prohibit or restrict unapproved ports and protocols.V-205169MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must uniquely identify the other DNS server before responding to a server-to-server transaction.V-205170MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation, when using PKI-based authentication, must enforce authorized access to the corresponding private key.V-205171MEDIUMThe key file must be owned by the account under which the name server software is run.V-205172MEDIUMRead/Write access to the key file must be restricted to the account that runs the name server software only.V-205173MEDIUMOnly the private key corresponding to the ZSK alone must be kept on the name server that does support dynamic updates.V-205174MEDIUMSignature generation using the KSK must be done off-line, using the KSK-private stored off-line.V-205175MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must employ strong authenticators in the establishment of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic sessions.V-205176MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide additional data origin artifacts along with the authoritative data the system returns in response to external name/address resolution queries.V-205177MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide the means to indicate the security status of child zones.V-205178MEDIUMThe validity period for the RRSIGs covering the DS RR for a zones delegated children must be no less than two days and no more than one week.V-205179MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must enforce approved authorizations for controlling the flow of information between DNS servers and between DNS servers and DNS clients based on DNSSEC policies.V-205180MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide the means to enable verification of a chain of trust among parent and child domains (if the child supports secure resolution services).V-205182MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must protect the authenticity of communications sessions for zone transfers.V-205183MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must protect the authenticity of communications sessions for dynamic updates.V-205184MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must protect the authenticity of communications sessions for queries.V-205185MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must fail to a secure state if system initialization fails, shutdown fails, or aborts fail.V-205186MEDIUMIn the event of a system failure, the DNS server implementation must preserve any information necessary to determine cause of failure and any information necessary to return to operations with least disruption to mission processes.V-205187MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must protect the confidentiality and integrity of secret/private cryptographic keys at rest and the integrity of DNS information at rest.V-205188MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via shared system resources.V-205189MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must restrict the ability of individuals to use the DNS server to launch Denial of Service (DoS) attacks against other information systems.V-205190MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must manage excess capacity, bandwidth, or other redundancy to limit the effects of information flooding types of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.V-205191MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must check the validity of all data inputs except those specifically identified by the organization.V-205193MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must be configured to generate audit records for failed security verification tests so that the ISSO and ISSM can be notified of the failures.V-205198MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must validate the binding of the other DNS servers identity to the DNS information for a server-to-server transaction (e.g., zone transfer).V-205203MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must authenticate the other DNS server before responding to a server-to-server transaction.V-205204MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must authenticate another DNS server before establishing a remote and/or network connection using bidirectional authentication that is cryptographically based.V-205205MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation, for PKI-based authentication, must implement a local cache of revocation data to support path discovery and validation in case of the inability to access revocation information via the network.V-205207MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide data integrity protection artifacts for internal name/address resolution queries.V-205208MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide additional integrity artifacts along with the authoritative name resolution data the system returns in response to external name/address resolution queries.V-205209MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must request data origin authentication verification on the name/address resolution responses the system receives from authoritative sources.V-205210MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must request data integrity verification on the name/address resolution responses the system receives from authoritative sources.V-205211MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must perform data integrity verification on the name/address resolution responses the system receives from authoritative sources.V-205212MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must perform data origin verification authentication on the name/address resolution responses the system receives from authoritative sources.V-205213MEDIUMIf the DNS server is using SIG(0), the DNS server implementation must only allow the use of DoD PKI-established certificate authorities for verification of the establishment of protected transactions.V-205214HIGHThe DNS server implementation must utilize cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modification of DNS zone data.V-205215HIGHThe DNS server implementation must utilize cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized disclosure of non-DNS data stored on the DNS server.V-205216HIGHThe DNS server implementation must protect the integrity of transmitted information.V-205217MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must implement cryptographic mechanisms to detect changes to information during transmission unless otherwise protected by alternative physical safeguards, such as, at a minimum, a Protected Distribution System (PDS).V-205218MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must maintain the integrity of information during preparation for transmission.V-205219MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must maintain the integrity of information during reception.V-205220MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must behave in a predictable and documented manner that reflects organizational and system objectives when invalid inputs are received.V-205222MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must perform verification of the correct operation of security functions: upon system start-up and/or restart; upon command by a user with privileged access; and/or every 30 days.V-205223MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must log the event and notify the system administrator when anomalies in the operation of the signed zone transfers are discovered.V-205224MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must generate audit records for the success and failure of start and stop of the name server service or daemon.V-205225MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must generate audit records for the success and failure of all name server events.V-205226MEDIUMThe DNS server must implement NIST FIPS-validated cryptography for provisioning digital signatures, generating cryptographic hashes, and protecting unclassified information requiring confidentiality.V-205227MEDIUMThe salt value for zones signed using NSEC3 RRs must be changed every time the zone is completely re-signed.V-205228MEDIUMThe validity period for the RRSIGs covering a zones DNSKEY RRSet must be no less than two days and no more than one week.V-205230MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must ensure each NS record in a zone file points to an active name server authoritative for the domain specified in that record.V-205231MEDIUMThe two files generated by the dnssec-keygen program must be made accessible only to the server administrator account, or deleted, after they have been copied to the key file in the name server.V-205233MEDIUMAll authoritative name servers for a zone must have the same version of zone information.V-205235MEDIUMDigital signature algorithm used for DNSSEC-enabled zones must be FIPS-compatible.V-205236MEDIUMFor zones split between the external and internal sides of a network, the RRs for the external hosts must be separate from the RRs for the internal hosts.V-205237MEDIUMIn a split DNS configuration, where separate name servers are used between the external and internal networks, the external name server must be configured to not be reachable from inside resolvers.V-205238MEDIUMIn a split DNS configuration, where separate name servers are used between the external and internal networks, the internal name server must be configured to not be reachable from outside resolvers.V-205239MEDIUMPrimary authoritative name servers must be configured to only receive zone transfer requests from specified secondary name servers.V-205242MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must implement internal/external role separation.V-205243MEDIUMThe DNS must utilize valid root name servers in the local root zone file.V-205246MEDIUMThe IP address for hidden master authoritative name servers must not appear in the name servers set in the zone database.V-205248MEDIUMThe platform on which the name server software is hosted must be configured to send outgoing DNS messages from a random port.V-205251MEDIUMA zone file must not include resource records that resolve to a fully qualified domain name residing in another zone.V-205253MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must be configured in accordance with the security configuration settings based on DoD security configuration or implementation guidance, including STIGs, NSA configuration guides, CTOs, and DTMs.V-263623MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must disable accounts when the accounts have expired.V-263624MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must disable accounts when the accounts are no longer associated to a user.V-263625MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must implement the capability to centrally review and analyze audit records from multiple components within the system.V-263626MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must alert organization-defined personnel or roles upon detection of unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of audit information.V-263627MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must automatically generate audit records of the enforcement actions.V-263628MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must prevent the installation of organization-defined software and firmware components without verification that the component has been digitally signed using a certificate that is recognized and approved by the organization.V-263629MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must require users to be individually authenticated before granting access to the shared accounts or resources.V-263630MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must implement multifactor authentication for local; network; and/or remote access to privileged accounts; and/or nonprivileged accounts such that one of the factors is provided by a device separate from the system gaining access.V-263631MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must implement multifactor authentication for local; network; and/or remote access to privileged accounts; and/or nonprivileged accounts such that the device meets organization-defined strength of mechanism requirements.V-263632MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, maintain a list of commonly used, expected, or compromised passwords on an organization-defined frequency.V-263633MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, update the list of passwords on an organization-defined frequency.V-263634MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, update the list of passwords when organizational passwords are suspected to have been compromised directly or indirectly.V-263635MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, verify when users create or update passwords, that the passwords are not found on the list of commonly-used, expected, or compromised passwords in IA-5 (1) (a).V-263636MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, store passwords using an approved salted key derivation function, preferably using a keyed hash.V-263637MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, require immediate selection of a new password upon account recovery.V-263638MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, allow user selection of long passwords and passphrases, including spaces and all printable characters.V-263639MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, employ automated tools to assist the user in selecting strong password authenticators.V-263640MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for password-based authentication, enforce organization-defined composition and complexity rules.V-263641MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, for public key-based authentication, implement a local cache of revocation data to support path discovery and validation.V-263642MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must protect nonlocal maintenance sessions by separating the maintenance session from other network sessions with the system by logically separated communications paths.V-263643MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must include only approved trust anchors in trust stores or certificate stores managed by the organization.V-263644MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must provide protected storage for cryptographic keys with organization-defined safeguards and/or hardware protected key store.V-263645MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must synchronize system clocks within and between systems or system components.V-263646MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must compare the internal system clocks on an organization-defined frequency with organization-defined authoritative time source.V-278970HIGHThe DNS server must install security-relevant software updates within 30 days unless the time period is directed by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, STIGs).V-278971HIGHThe DNS server must be a version supported by the vendor.V-279953MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must provide the means for authorized individuals to determine the identity of the source of the DNS server-provided information.V-279954MEDIUMThe private key corresponding to the ZSK, stored on name servers accepting dynamic updates, must have appropriate directory/file-level access control list-based or cryptography-based protections.V-279955MEDIUMA unique TSIG key must be generated for each pair of communicating hosts.V-279956MEDIUMCNAME records must not point to a zone with lesser security for more than six months.V-279957MEDIUMA DNS server implementation must provide data origin artifacts for internal name/address resolution queries.V-279958MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must be conformant to the IETF DNS specification.V-279959MEDIUMAn authoritative name server must be configured to enable DNSSEC Resource Records.V-279960MEDIUMThe platform on which the name server software is hosted must be configured to respond to DNS traffic only.V-279961MEDIUMThe DNS Name Server software must run with restricted privileges.V-279962MEDIUMNSEC3 must be used for all internal DNS zones.V-279963MEDIUMAll authoritative name servers for a zone must be located on different network segments.V-279964MEDIUMAll authoritative name servers for a zone must be geographically disbursed.V-279965MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must prohibit recursion on authoritative name servers.V-279966MEDIUMThe DNS name server software must be at the latest version.V-279967MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must, when a component failure is detected, activate a notification to the system administrator.V-279968MEDIUMIn the event of an error when validating the binding of another DNS servers identity to the DNS information, the DNS server implementation must log the event and send notification to the DNS administrator.V-279969MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must follow procedures to re-role a secondary name server as the master name server should the master name server permanently lose functionality.V-279970MEDIUMThe DNS implementation must enforce a Discretionary Access Control (DAC) policy that limits propagation of access rights.V-279971MEDIUMThe DNS server implementation must strongly bind the identity of the DNS server with the DNS information.V-279972MEDIUMThe private keys corresponding to both the ZSK and the KSK must not be kept on the DNSSEC-aware primary authoritative name server when the name server does not support dynamic updates.