NTP time synchronization must be configured.

From VMware ESXi Server 5.0 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-51108r1_rule NTP time synchronization must be configured.

Vulnerability discussion

By ensuring that all systems use the same relative time source (including the relevant localization offset), and that the relative time source can be correlated to an agreed-upon time standard (such as Coordinated Universal Time-UTC), it can make it simpler to track and correlate an intruder's actions when reviewing the relevant log files. Incorrect time settings can make it difficult to inspect and correlate log files to detect attacks, and can make auditing inaccurate.

Check content

From the vSphere Client: Select the host and click "Configuration >> Time Configuration". Select the properties link and chose 'Options'. Select NTP Settings to view configured NTP servers. If NTP is not configured, this is a finding.

Fix text

From the vSphere Client: Select the host and click "Configuration >> Time Configuration". Select the properties link and chose 'Options'. From the General tab start the NTP service and select "Start and stop with host". From the NTP Settings tab click the 'Add' button to add the organization defined NTP servers.

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