V2R9 changes
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 STIG V2R9 (2026-09-30) replaced V2R8 (2026-07-01): 2 checks added, 29 updated. It has 220 checks, against 218 in V2R8.
V2R9 checklistV2R8 checklist Compare V2R8 and V2R9 in STIG Compare
- 2 added
- 0 removed
- 29 updated
Updated fields: Discussion 22Fix text 13Check text 10Title 9CCIs 2
Added in V2R9 (2)
Updated in V2R9 (29)
V-234803CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access via local console.Title, Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DODoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access via local console.
Check text
Verify the SUSE operating system displays the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access to the system via local console.
Check the "motd" (message of the day) file to verify that it contains the DODDoW required banner text:
> more /etc/issue
The output must display the following DODDoW-required banner 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 output does not display the correct banner text, this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to display the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access to the system via local console by performing the following tasks:
Edit the "motd" file and replace the default text inside with the Standard Mandatory DODDoW banner 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."
Discussion
Display of a standardized and approved use notification before granting access to the SUSE operating system ensures privacy and security notification verbiage used is consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance.
The banner must be acknowledged by the user prior to allowing the user access to the SUSE operating system. This provides assurance that the user has seen the message and accepted the conditions for access. If the consent banner is not acknowledged by the user, DODDoW will not be in compliance with system use notifications required by law.
System use notifications are required only for access via logon interfaces with human users and are not required when such human interfaces do not exist.
The banner must be formatted in accordance with applicable DODDoW policy. Use the following verbiage for SUSE operating system:
"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."
V-234805CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access via SSH.Title, Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DODoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access via SSH.
Check text
Verify the SUSE operating system displays the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access to the system via SSH.
Check the issue file to verify it contains one of the DODDoW required banners. If it does not, this is a finding.
> more /etc/issue
The output must display the following DODDoW-required banner 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 output does not display the banner text, this is a finding.
Check for the location of the banner file being used with the following command:
$ sudo /usr/sbin/sshd -dd 2>&1 | awk '/filename/ {print $4}' | tr -d '1r' | tr '1n' ' ' | xargs sudo grep -iH '^1s*banner'
/etc/ssh/sshd_config.d/80-bannerPointer.conf:Banner /etc/issue
This command will return the banner keyword and the name of the file that contains the SSH banner (in this case "/etc/issue").
If "Banner" is not set to "/etc/issue", this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to display the Standard Mandatory DODDoW Notice and Consent Banner before granting access to the system via ssh.
Edit the "etc/ssh/sshd_config" file or a file in "/etc/ssh/sshd_config.d" to uncomment the banner keyword and configure it to point to a file that will contain the logon banner (this file may be named differently or be in a different location if using a version of SSH that is provided by a third-party vendor).
An example configuration line is:
Banner /etc/issue
Restart the sshd daemon:
> sudo systemctl restart sshd.service
To configure the system logon banner, edit the "/etc/issue" file. Replace the default text inside with the Standard Mandatory DODDoW banner 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."
Discussion
Display of a standardized and approved use notification before granting access to the SUSE operating system ensures privacy and security notification verbiage used is consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance.
System use notifications are required only for access via logon interfaces with human users and are not required when such human interfaces do not exist.
The banner must be formatted in accordance with applicable DODDoW policy. Use the following verbiage for SUSE operating systems that can accommodate banners of 1300 characters:
"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."
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000023-GPOS-00006, SRG-OS-000228-GPOS-00088
V-234806CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DoW Notice and Consent Banner until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on for further access to the local graphical user interface (GUI).Title, Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on for further access to the local graphical user interface (GUI).
Check text
Verify the SUSE operating system displays the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on via the local GUI.
Note: If a graphical user interface is not installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Check the configuration by running the following command:
> more /etc/gdm/Xsession
The beginning of the file must contain the following text immediately after (#!/bin/sh):
if ! zenity --text-info 1
--title "Consent" 1
--filename=/etc/gdm/banner 1
--no-markup 1
--checkbox="Accept." 10 10; then
sleep 1;
exit 1;
fi
If the beginning of the file does not contain the above text immediately after the line (#!/bin/sh), this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to display the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on for further access.
Note: If a graphical user interface is not installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Edit the file "/etc/gdm/Xsession".
Add the following content to the file "/etc/gdm/Xsession" below the line #!/bin/sh:
if ! zenity --text-info 1
--title "Consent" 1
--filename=/etc/gdm/banner 1
--no-markup 1
--checkbox="Accept." 10 10; then
sleep 1;
exit 1;
fi
Save the file "/etc/gdm/Xsession".
Discussion
The SUSE operating system must display the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on for further access to the local graphical user interface (GUI).
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000023-GPOS-00006, SRG-OS-000024-GPOS-00007
V-234807CAT IIThe SUSE operating system file /etc/gdm/banner must contain the Standard Mandatory DoW Notice and Consent banner text.Title, Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system file /etc/gdm/banner must contain the Standard Mandatory DoDW Notice and Consent banner text.
Check text
Note: If the system does not have a graphical user interface installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Verify the SUSE operating system file "/etc/gdm/banner" contains the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner text by running the following command:
> more /etc/gdm/banner
If the file does not contain the following text, this is a finding.
"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."
Fix text
Note: If the system does not have a graphical user interface installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Configure the SUSE operating system file "/etc/gdm/banner" to contain the Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner by running the following commands:
> sudo vi /etc/gdm/banner
Add the following information to the file:
"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."
Discussion
The banner must be acknowledged by the user prior to allowing the user access to the SUSE operating system. This provides assurance that the user has seen the message and accepted the conditions for access. If the consent banner is not acknowledged by the user, DoDDoW will not be in compliance with system use notifications required by law.
To establish acceptance of the application usage policy, a click-through banner at system logon is required. The system must prevent further activity until the user executes a positive action to manifest agreement by clicking on a box indicating "OK".
V-234808CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must display a banner before granting local or remote access to the system via a graphical user logon.Discussion
Discussion
Display of a standardized and approved use notification before granting access to the SUSE operating system ensures privacy and security notification verbiage used is consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance.
The banner must be acknowledged by the user prior to allowing the user access to the SUSE operating system. This provides assurance that the user has seen the message and accepted the conditions for access. If the consent banner is not acknowledged by the user, DoDDoW will not be in compliance with system use notifications required by law.
System use notifications are required only for access via logon interfaces with human users and are not required when such human interfaces do not exist.
The banner must be formatted in accordance with applicable DoDDoW policy. Use the following verbiage for SUSE operating system:
"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."
V-234809CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must display the approved Standard Mandatory DoW Notice before granting local or remote access to the system via a graphical user logon.Title, Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system must display the approved Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice before granting local or remote access to the system via a graphical user logon.
Check text
Note: If the system does not have a graphical user interface installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Verify the SUSE operating system displays the approved Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice before granting local or remote access to the system via a graphical user logon.
Check that the SUSE operating system displays the exact approved Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner text by performing the following command:
> grep banner-message-text /etc/dconf/db/gdm.d/*
banner-message-text=
"You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only.1nBy using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions:1n-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.1n-At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS.1n-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.1n-This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy.1n-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."
Note: The "1n" characters are for formatting only. They will not be displayed on the GUI.
If the banner text does not exactly match the approved Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice and Consent Banner, this is a finding.
Fix text
Note: If the system does not have a graphical user interface installed, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Configure the SUSE operating system to display the approved Standard Mandatory DoDDoW Notice before granting local or remote access to the system via a graphical user logon.
Create a database to contain the system wide graphical user logon settings (if it does not already exist) by performing the following command:
> sudo touch /etc/dconf/db/gdm.d/01-banner-message
Add the following lines to the "[org/gnome/login-screen]" section of the "dconf/db/gdm.d/01-banner-message" file:
[org/gnome/login-screen]
banner-message-text="You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only.1nBy using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions:1n-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.1n-At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS.1n-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.1n-This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy.1n-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."
Note: The "1n" characters are for formatting only. They will not be displayed on the GUI.
Run the following command to update the database:
> sudo dconf update
Discussion
Display of a standardized and approved use notification before granting access to the SUSE operating system ensures privacy and security notification verbiage used is consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance.
The banner must be acknowledged by the user prior to allowing the user access to the SUSE operating system. This provides assurance that the user has seen the message and accepted the conditions for access. If the consent banner is not acknowledged by the user, DoDDoW will not be in compliance with system use notifications required by law.
System use notifications are required only for access via logon interfaces with human users and are not required when such human interfaces do not exist.
The banner must be formatted in accordance with applicable DoDDoW policy. Use the following verbiage for SUSE operating system:
"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."
V-234815CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must log SSH connection attempts and failures to the server.Discussion
Discussion
Remote access services, such as those providing remote access to network devices and information systems, which lack automated monitoring capabilities, increase risk and make remote user access management difficult at best.
Remote access is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
Automated monitoring of remote access sessions allows organizations to detect cyber attacks and also ensure ongoing compliance with remote access policies by auditing connection activities of remote access capabilities, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), on a variety of information system components (e.g., servers, workstations, notebook computers, smartphones, and tablets).
V-234816CAT IThe SUSE operating system must implement DoW-approved encryption to protect the confidentiality of SSH remote connections.Title, Discussion
Title
The SUSE operating system must implement DODoW-approved encryption to protect the confidentiality of SSH remote connections.
Discussion
Without confidentiality protection mechanisms, unauthorized individuals may gain access to sensitive information via a remote access session.
Remote access is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
Encryption provides a means to secure the remote connection to prevent unauthorized access to the data traversing the remote access connection (e.g., RDP), thereby providing a degree of confidentiality. The encryption strength of a mechanism is selected based on the security categorization of the information.
The system will attempt to use the first cipher presented by the client that matches the server list. Listing the values "strongest to weakest" is a method to ensure the use of the strongest cipher available to secure the SSH connection.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000033-GPOS-00014, SRG-OS-000125-GPOS-00065, SRG-OS-000250-GPOS-00093, SRG-OS-000393-GPOS-00173
V-234819CAT ISUSE operating systems with a basic input/output system (BIOS) must require authentication upon booting into single-user and maintenance modes.Discussion
Discussion
To mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information by entities that have been issued certificates by DoDDoW-approved PKIs, all DoDDoW systems (e.g., web servers and web portals) must be properly configured to incorporate access control methods that do not rely solely on the possession of a certificate for access. Successful authentication must not automatically give an entity access to an asset or security boundary. Authorization procedures and controls must be implemented to ensure each authenticated entity also has a validated and current authorization. Authorization is the process of determining whether an entity, once authenticated, is permitted to access a specific asset. Information systems use access control policies and enforcement mechanisms to implement this requirement.
Access control policies include identity-based policies, role-based policies, and attribute-based policies. Access enforcement mechanisms include access control lists, access control matrices, and cryptography. These policies and mechanisms must be employed by the application to control access between users (or processes acting on behalf of users) and objects (e.g., devices, files, records, processes, programs, and domains) in the information system.
V-234825CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must employ FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm for system authentication (login.defs).Discussion
Discussion
Unapproved mechanisms that are used for authentication to the cryptographic module are not verified and therefore cannot be relied on to provide confidentiality or integrity, and DoDDoW data may be compromised.
SUSE operating systems using encryption are required to use FIPS-compliant mechanisms for authenticating to cryptographic modules.
FIPS 140-2 is the current standard for validating that mechanisms used to access cryptographic modules use authentication that meets DoDDoW requirements. This allows for Security Levels 1, 2, 3, or 4 for use on a general-purpose computing system.
V-234826CAT IThe SUSE operating system SSH server must be configured to use only Message Authentication Codes (MACs) employing FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic hash algorithms to protect the confidentiality of SSH server connections.Discussion
Discussion
Without cryptographic integrity protections, information can be altered by unauthorized users without detection.
Remote access (e.g., RDP) is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
Cryptographic mechanisms used for protecting the integrity of information include, for example, signed hash functions using asymmetric cryptography enabling distribution of the public key to verify the hash information while maintaining the confidentiality of the secret key used to generate the hash.
SLES15 incorporates systemwide crypto policies by default. The SSH configuration file has no effect on the ciphers, MACs, or algorithms unless specifically defined in the /etc/sysconfig/sshd file. The employed algorithms can be viewed in the /etc/crypto-policies/back-ends/opensshserver.config file.
V-234828CAT IIThe sticky bit must be set on all SUSE operating system world-writable directories.Discussion
Discussion
Preventing unauthorized information transfers mitigates the risk of information, including encrypted representations of information, produced by the actions of prior users/roles (or the actions of processes acting on behalf of prior users/roles) from being available to any current users/roles (or current processes) that obtain access to shared system resources (e.g., registers, main memory, and hard disks) after those resources have been released back to information systems. The control of information in shared resources is also commonly referred to as object reuse and residual information protection.
This requirement generally applies to the design of an information technology product, but it can also apply to the configuration of particular information system components that are, or use, such products. This can be verified by acceptance/validation processes in DoDDoW or other government agencies.
There may be shared resources with configurable protections (e.g., files in storage) that may be assessed on specific information system components.
V-234847CAT IIThe SUSE operating system wireless network adapters must be disabled unless approved and documented.Discussion
Discussion
Without protection of communications with wireless peripherals, confidentiality and integrity may be compromised because unprotected communications can be intercepted and either read, altered, or used to compromise the SUSE operating system.
This requirement applies to wireless peripheral technologies (e.g., wireless mice, keyboards, displays, etc.) used with a SUSE operating system. Wireless peripherals (e.g., Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/IR Keyboards, Mice, and Pointing Devices and Near Field Communications [NFC]) present a unique challenge by creating an open, unsecured port on a computer. Wireless peripherals must meet DoDDoW requirements for wireless data transmission and be approved for use by the AO. Even though some wireless peripherals, such as mice and pointing devices, do not ordinarily carry information that need to be protected, modification of communications with these wireless peripherals may be used to compromise the SUSE operating system. Communication paths outside the physical protection of a controlled boundary are exposed to the possibility of interception and modification.
Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of communications with wireless peripherals can be accomplished by physical means (e.g., employing physical barriers to wireless radio frequencies) or by logical means (e.g., employing cryptographic techniques). If physical means of protection are employed, then logical means (cryptography) do not have to be employed, and vice versa. If the wireless peripheral is only passing telemetry data, encryption of the data may not be required.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000299-GPOS-00117, SRG-OS-000300-GPOS-00118, SRG-OS-000481-GPOS-000481
V-234849CAT IIThe SUSE operating system clock must, for networked systems, be synchronized to an authoritative DoW time source at least every 24 hours.Title, Check text, Fix text
Title
The SUSE operating system clock must, for networked systems, be synchronized to an authoritative DODoW time source at least every 24 hours.
Check text
The SUSE operating system clock must be configured to synchronize to an authoritative DODDoW time source when the time difference is greater than one second.
Check that the SUSE operating system clock must be configured to synchronize to an authoritative DODDoW time source when the time difference is greater than one second with the following command:
> sudo grep maxpoll /etc/chrony.conf
server 0.us.pool.ntp.mil maxpoll 16
If nothing is returned, "maxpoll" is greater than "16", or is commented out, this is a finding.
Verify the "chrony.conf" file is configured to an authoritative DODDoW time source by running the following command:
> sudo grep -i server /etc/chrony.conf
server 0.us.pool.ntp.mil
If the parameter "server" is not set, is not set to an authoritative DODDoW time source, or is commented out, this is a finding.
Fix text
The SUSE operating system clock must be configured to synchronize to an authoritative DODDoW time source when the time difference is greater than one second.
To configure the system clock to synchronize to an authoritative DODDoW time source at least every 24 hours, edit the file "/etc/chrony.conf". Add or correct the following lines by replacing "[time_source]" with an authoritative DODDoW time source:
server [time_source] maxpoll 16
V-234852CAT IThe SUSE operating system tool zypper must have gpgcheck enabled.Check text, Fix text, Discussion
Check text
Verify the SLES 1215 zypper tool has "gpgcheck" enabled with the following command:
> grep -i '^gpgcheck' /etc/zypp/zypp.conf
If "gpgcheck" is set to "off", this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SLES 1215 zypper tool to enable "gpgcheck".
Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/zypp/zypp.conf" file or remove the line completely ensuring that the default zypper setting is enabled:
gpgcheck = on
Discussion
Changes to any software components can have significant effects on the overall security of SLES 1215. This requirement ensures the software has not been tampered with and has been provided by a trusted vendor.
Accordingly, patches, service packs, device drivers, or SLES 1215 components must be signed with a certificate recognized and approved by the organization.
Verifying the authenticity of the software prior to installation validates the integrity of the patch or upgrade received from a vendor. This ensures the software has not been tampered with and that it has been provided by a trusted vendor. Self-signed certificates are disallowed by this requirement. SLES 1215 should not have to verify the software again. This requirement does not mandate DODDoW certificates for this purpose; however, the certificate used to verify the software must be from an approved Certification Authority (CA).
For zypper on SUSE Linux Enterprise systems, GPG signature checking is enabled by default for all repositories, even if it is not explicitly set in "/etc/zypp/zypp.conf" or individual .repo files. The presence of the gpgcheck setting in repository files (like gpgcheck=1) or a global zypp.conf entry would override this default behavior if a user wanted to disable it (e.g., gpgcheck=0), but its absence simply means the default is in effect.
V-234854CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must have the packages required for multifactor authentication to be installed.Discussion
Discussion
Using an authentication device, such as a Common Access Card (CAC) or token separate from the information system, ensures that even if the information system is compromised, that compromise will not affect credentials stored on the authentication device.
Multifactor solutions that require devices separate from information systems gaining access include, for example, hardware tokens providing time-based or challenge-response authenticators and smart cards such as the U.S. Government Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card and the DODDoW CAC.
A privileged account is defined as an information system account with authorizations of a privileged user.
Remote access is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
This requirement only applies to components where this is specific to the function of the device or has the concept of an organizational user (e.g., VPN, proxy capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (management).
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000375-GPOS-00160, SRG-OS-000376-GPOS-00161, SRG-OS-000377-GPOS-00162
V-234855CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must implement certificate status checking for multifactor authentication.Discussion
Discussion
Using an authentication device, such as a common access card (CAC) or token separate from the information system, ensures credentials stored on the authentication device will not be affected if the information system is compromised.
Multifactor solutions that require devices separate from information systems to gain access include hardware tokens providing time-based or challenge-response authenticators, and smart cards such as the U.S. Government Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card and the DODDoW CAC.
A privileged account is defined as an information system account with authorizations of a privileged user.
Remote access is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
This requirement only applies to components with device-specific functions, or for organizational users (e.g., VPN, proxy capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (management).
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000375-GPOS-00160, SRG-OS-000376-GPOS-00161, SRG-OS-000377-GPOS-00162
V-234866CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must provision temporary accounts with an expiration date for 72 hours.Discussion
Discussion
If temporary user accounts remain active when no longer needed or for an excessive period, these accounts may be used to gain unauthorized access. To mitigate this risk, automated termination of all temporary accounts must be set upon account creation.
Temporary accounts are established as part of normal account activation procedures when there is a need for short-term accounts without the demand for immediacy in account activation.
If temporary accounts are used, the SUSE operating system must be configured to automatically terminate these types of accounts after a DoDDoW-defined time period of 72 hours.
To address access requirements, many SUSE operating systems may be integrated with enterprise-level authentication/access mechanisms that meet or exceed access control policy requirements.
V-234869CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must implement multifactor authentication for access to privileged accounts via pluggable authentication modules (PAM).Discussion
Discussion
Using an authentication device, such as a Common Access Card (CAC) or token that is separate from the information system, ensures that even if the information system is compromised, that compromise will not affect credentials stored on the authentication device.
Multifactor solutions that require devices separate from information systems gaining access include, for example, hardware tokens providing time-based or challenge-response authenticators and smart cards such as the U.S. Government Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card and the DODDoW CAC.
A privileged account is defined as an information system account with authorizations of a privileged user.
Remote access is access to DODDoW nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
This requirement only applies to components where this is specific to the function of the device or has the concept of an organizational user (e.g., VPN, proxy capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (management).
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000068-GPOS-00036, SRG-OS-000105-GPOS-00052, SRG-OS-000106-GPOS-00053, SRG-OS-000107-GPOS-00054, SRG-OS-000108-GPOS-00055, SRG-OS-000375-GPOS-00160, SRG-OS-000376-GPOS-00161, SRG-OS-000377-GPOS-00162
V-234871CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must disable account identifiers (individuals, groups, roles, and devices) after 35 days of inactivity after password expiration.Fix text
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to disable account identifiers after 35 days of inactivity since the password expiration.
Run the following command to change the configuration for "useradd" to disable the account identifier after 35 days:
> sudo useradd -D -f 35
DODDoW recommendation is 35 days, but a lower value greater than "0" is acceptable.
V-234878CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must require reauthentication when using the "sudo" command.Check text, Fix text
Check text
Verify the operating system requires re-authenticationreauthentication when using the "sudo" command to elevate privileges.
> sudo grep -ir 'timestamp_timeout' /etc/sudoers /etc/sudoers.d
/etc/sudoers:Defaults timestamp_timeout=0
If conflicting results are returned from more than one file location, this is a finding.
If "timestamp_timeout" is set to a value other than "0" (including negative numbernumbers), is commented out, or nois resultsmissing are returnedentirely, this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure SLES 15 to reauthenticate every invocation of the "sudo" command to require reauthentication.
Edit
Add the following line to "/etc/sudoers" file:
> sudo visudo
Add or modifya thefile followingin line"/etc/sudoers.d":
Defaults timestamp_timeout=[value]0
Note:Remove Theany "[value]"duplicate must be a number that is greater than or equal to "0"definitions.
V-234889CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must be configured to create or update passwords with a minimum lifetime of 24 hours (one day).Fix text
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to enforce 24 hours/one day or greater as the minimum password age.
Edit the file "/etc/login.defs" and add or correct the following line. Replace [DAYS] with the appropriate amount of days:
PASS_MIN_DAYS [DAYS]
The DODDoW requirement is "1" but a greater value is acceptable.
V-234891CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must be configured to create or update passwords with a maximum lifetime of 180 days.Title, Check text, Fix text, CCIs
Title
The SUSE operating system must be configured to create or update passwords with a maximum lifetime of 6180 days.
Check text
Verify that the SUSE operating system is configured to create or update passwords with a maximum password age of 60180 days or less.
Check that the SUSE operating system enforces 60180 days or less as the maximum password age with the following command:
> grep '^PASS_MAX_DAYS' /etc/login.defs
The DODDoW requirement is "60180" days or less (greater than zero, as zero days will lock the account immediately).
If no output is produced, or if "PASS_MAX_DAYS" is not set to "60180" days or less, this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to enforce a maximum password age of 60180 days or less.
Edit the file "/etc/login.defs" and add or correct the following line. Replace [DAYS] with the appropriate amount of days:
PASS_MAX_DAYS [DAYS]
The DODDoW requirement is 60180 days or less (greater than zero, as zero days will lock the account immediately).
CCIs
CCI-004066,CCI-000199CCI-000199
V-234892CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must employ user passwords with a maximum lifetime of 180 days.Title, Check text, Fix text, CCIs
Title
The SUSE operating system must employ user passwords with a maximum lifetime of 6180 days.
Check text
Verify that the SUSE operating system enforces a maximum user password age of 60180 days or less.
Check that the SUSE operating system enforces 60180 days or less as the maximum user password age with the following command:
> sudo awk -F: '$5 > 60180 || $5 == "" {print $1 ":" $5}' /etc/shadow
If any results are returned that are not associated with a system account, this is a finding.
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to enforce a maximum password age of each [USER] account to 60180 days. The command in the check text will give a list of users that need to be updated to be in compliance:
> sudo passwd -x 60180 [USER]
The DODDoW requirement is 60180 days.
CCIs
CCI-004066,CCI-000199CCI-000199
V-234895CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must employ passwords with a minimum of 15 characters.Fix text
Fix text
Configure the SUSE operating system to enforce a minimum 15-character password length.
Edit "/etc/pam.d/common-password" and edit the line containing "pam_cracklib.so" to contain the option "minlen=15" after the third column.
The DODDoW standard requires a minimum 15-character password length.
V-234937CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must generate audit records for all uses of the insmod command.Discussion
Discussion
Without the capability to generate audit records, it would be difficult to establish, correlate, and investigate the events relating to an incident or identify those responsible for one.
Audit records can be generated from various components within the information system (e.g., module or policy filter).
The list of audited events is the set of events for which audits are to be generated. This set of events is typically a subset of the list of all events for which the system is capable of generating audit records.
DoDDoW has defined the following list of events for which the SUSE operating system will provide an audit record generation capability:
1) Successful and unsuccessful attempts to access, modify, or delete privileges, security objects, security levels, or categories of information (e.g., classification levels);
2) Access actions, such as successful and unsuccessful logon attempts, privileged activities or other system-level access, starting and ending time for user access to the system, concurrent logons from different workstations, successful and unsuccessful accesses to objects, all program initiations, and all direct access to the information system;
3) All account creations, modifications, disabling, and terminations; and
4) All kernel module load, unload, and restart actions.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000037-GPOS-00015, SRG-OS-000062-GPOS-00031, SRG-OS-000392-GPOS-00172, SRG-OS-000462-GPOS-00206, SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00215
V-234938CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must generate audit records for all uses of the rmmod command.Discussion
Discussion
Without the capability to generate audit records, it would be difficult to establish, correlate, and investigate the events relating to an incident or identify those responsible for one.
Audit records can be generated from various components within the information system (e.g., module or policy filter).
The list of audited events is the set of events for which audits are to be generated. This set of events is typically a subset of the list of all events for which the system is capable of generating audit records.
DoDDoW has defined the following list of events for which the SUSE operating system will provide an audit record generation capability:
1) Successful and unsuccessful attempts to access, modify, or delete privileges, security objects, security levels, or categories of information (e.g., classification levels);
2) Access actions, such as successful and unsuccessful logon attempts, privileged activities or other system-level access, starting and ending time for user access to the system, concurrent logons from different workstations, successful and unsuccessful accesses to objects, all program initiations, and all direct access to the information system;
3) All account creations, modifications, disabling, and terminations; and
4) All kernel module load, unload, and restart actions.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000037-GPOS-00015, SRG-OS-000062-GPOS-00031, SRG-OS-000392-GPOS-00172, SRG-OS-000462-GPOS-00206, SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00215
V-234939CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must generate audit records for all uses of the modprobe command.Discussion
Discussion
Without the capability to generate audit records, it would be difficult to establish, correlate, and investigate the events relating to an incident or identify those responsible for one.
Audit records can be generated from various components within the information system (e.g., module or policy filter).
The list of audited events is the set of events for which audits are to be generated. This set of events is typically a subset of the list of all events for which the system is capable of generating audit records.
DoDDoW has defined the following list of events for which the SUSE operating system will provide an audit record generation capability:
1) Successful and unsuccessful attempts to access, modify, or delete privileges, security objects, security levels, or categories of information (e.g., classification levels);
2) Access actions, such as successful and unsuccessful logon attempts, privileged activities or other system-level access, starting and ending time for user access to the system, concurrent logons from different workstations, successful and unsuccessful accesses to objects, all program initiations, and all direct access to the information system;
3) All account creations, modifications, disabling, and terminations; and
4) All kernel module load, unload, and restart actions.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000037-GPOS-00015, SRG-OS-000062-GPOS-00031, SRG-OS-000392-GPOS-00172, SRG-OS-000462-GPOS-00206, SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00215
V-234940CAT IIThe SUSE operating system must generate audit records for all uses of the kmod command.Discussion
Discussion
Without the capability to generate audit records, it would be difficult to establish, correlate, and investigate the events relating to an incident or identify those responsible for one.
Audit records can be generated from various components within the information system (e.g., module or policy filter).
The list of audited events is the set of events for which audits are to be generated. This set of events is typically a subset of the list of all events for which the system is capable of generating audit records.
DoDDoW has defined the following list of events for which the SUSE operating system will provide an audit record generation capability:
1) Successful and unsuccessful attempts to access, modify, or delete privileges, security objects, security levels, or categories of information (e.g., classification levels);
2) Access actions, such as successful and unsuccessful logon attempts, privileged activities or other system-level access, starting and ending time for user access to the system, concurrent logons from different workstations, successful and unsuccessful accesses to objects, all program initiations, and all direct access to the information system;
3) All account creations, modifications, disabling, and terminations; and
4) All kernel module load, unload, and restart actions.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000037-GPOS-00015, SRG-OS-000062-GPOS-00031, SRG-OS-000392-GPOS-00172, SRG-OS-000462-GPOS-00206, SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00215, SRG-OS-000471-GPOS-00216, SRG-OS-000477-GPOS-00222
How these changes are found
Checks are matched across the two releases by V-number. A check counts as updated when DISA gave it a new rule revision (the r number in its SV-…_rule id) and its title, severity, check text, fix text, discussion, CCIs or other fields changed — the same comparison STIG Compare makes. Added checks are new V-numbers; removed checks are V-numbers V2R9 no longer has.
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