What changed in Apple macOS 15 (Sequoia) STIG V1R8V1R8 changes

Check text

Verify the macOS system is configured to display the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting remote access to the operating system. Verify the operating system has the correct text listed in the "/etc/banner" file with the following command: /usr/bin/more /etc/banner The command must return the following text: "You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only. By using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions: -The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct (PM), law enforcement (LE), and counterintelligence (CI) investigations. -At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS. -Communications using, or data stored on, this IS are not private, are subject to routine monitoring, interception, and search, and may be disclosed or used for any USG-authorized purpose. -This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy. -Notwithstanding the above, using this IS does not constitute consent to PM, LE or CI investigative searching or monitoring of the content of privileged communications, or work product, related to personal representation or services by attorneys, psychotherapists, or clergy, and their assistants. Such communications and work product are private and confidential. See User Agreement for details." If the operating system does not display a login banner before granting remote access or the banner does not match the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner, this is a finding. If the text in the "/etc/banner" file does not match the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the macOS system to display the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting remote access to the operating system by creating a text file containing the required DODDoW text. Name the file "banner" and place it in "/etc/".

V-268429 in V1R8

Title

The macOS system must display the Standard Mandatory DODoW Notice and Consent Banner at the login window.

V-268431 in V1R8

Check text

Verify the macOS system is configured to use an authorized time server with the following command: /usr/bin/osascript -l JavaScript &lt&lt EOS $.NSUserDefaults.alloc.initWithSuiteName('com.apple.MCX')1 .objectForKey('timeServer').js EOS If the result is not an authoritative time server that is synchronized with redundant USNO time servers as designated for the appropriate DODDoW network, this is a finding.

V-268449 in V1R8

Title

The macOS system must restrict maximum password lifetime to 6180 days.

Check text

Verify the macOS system is configured to restrict maximum password lifetime to 60180 days with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2> /dev/null | /usr/bin/tail +2 | /usr/bin/xmllint --xpath '//dict/key[text()="policyAttributeExpiresEveryNDays"]/following-sibling::*[1]/text()' - If the result is not "60180" or less, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the macOS system to restrict maximum password lifetime to 6180 days by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.

Discussion

The macOS must be configured to enforce a maximum password lifetime limit of at least 60180 days. This rule ensures that users are forced to change their passwords frequently enough to prevent malicious users from gaining and maintaining access to the system. NOTE: The guidance for password-based authentication in NIST 800-53 (Rev 5) and NIST 800-63B states that complexity rules should be organizationally defined. The values defined are based on common complexity values, but each organization may define its own password complexity rules.

V-268536 in V1R8