VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide

The VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide (V2 R5) has 67 STIG checks. New to STIG checklists? Read What is a STIG checklist?, CKL vs CKLB, and STIG vs SCAP benchmark.

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Severity

Version

V2 · R5

CurrentPublished Wed Sep 30 2026

The vCenter Server must disable Secure Shell (SSH) access.

VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide

Assessment Title

Rule Text

The vCenter Server must disable Secure Shell (SSH) access.

Description

Discussion Text

vCenter Server is delivered as an appliance and is and intended to be managed through the VAMI, vSphere Client, and APIs. SSH is a troubleshooting and support tool and should only be enabled when necessary.

New to STIG checklists? Read What is a STIG checklist? and CKL vs CKLB.

Objective

V-258968

Rule

SV-258968r1111830_rule

Severity

medium

Rule Version

VCSA-80-000303

Documentable

false

IA Controls

NIST SP 800-53

Rev 5

Assessment Procedure

Check Text

Open the Virtual Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) by navigating to https://<vCenter server>:5480.

Log in with local operating system administrative credentials or with a Single Sign-On (SSO) account that is a member of the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrator" group.

Select "Access" on the left navigation pane.

If "SSH Login" is not "Deactivated", this is a finding.

Implementation Procedure

Fix Text

Open the Virtual Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) by navigating to https://<vCenter server>:5480.

Log in with local operating system administrative credentials or with a Single Sign-On (SSO) account that is a member of the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrator" group.

Select "Access" on the left navigation pane.

Click "Edit" then disable "Activate SSH Login" and click "OK".

STIG check 64 of 67 in the VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter STIG checklist

← Previous · V-258967The vCenter Server must reset port configuration when virtual machines are disconnected.Next · V-258969 →The vCenter Server must enable data in transit encryption for vSAN.