The Windows 2012 DNS Server must protect secret/private cryptographic keys while at rest.

From Microsoft Windows 2012 Server Domain Name System Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001199

SV-73123r4_rule The Windows 2012 DNS Server must protect secret/private cryptographic keys while at rest.

Vulnerability discussion

Information at rest refers to the state of information when it is located on a secondary storage device within an organizational information system. Mobile devices, laptops, desktops, and storage devices can be either lost or stolen, and the contents of their data storage (e.g., hard drives and non-volatile memory) can be read, copied, or altered. Applications and application users generate information throughout the course of their application use.The DNS server must protect the confidentiality and integrity of shared keys (for TSIG) and private keys (for SIG(0)) and must protect the integrity of DNS information. There is no need to protect the confidentiality of DNS information because it is accessible by all devices that can contact the server.

Check content

To ensure the cryptographic keys are protected after being backed up to another medium (tape, disk, SAN, etc.), consult with the System Administrator to determine the backup policy in place for the DNS Server. Determine how and where backed up data is being stored. Verify the protection of the backup medium is secured to the same level, or higher, as the server itself. If a backup policy does not exist or the backup policy does not specify the protection required for backup medium to be at or above the same level as the server, this is a finding.

Fix text

To ensure the cryptographic keys are protected after being backed up to tape or other medium, develop a backup policy to include the protection of backup date to be at or above the same level as the DNS server itself.

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