The system must minimize use of the VM console.

From VMware vSphere Virtual Machine Version 6 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-OS-000480-VMM-002000

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-78613r1_rule The system must minimize use of the VM console.

Vulnerability discussion

The VM console enables a connection to the console of a virtual machine, in effect seeing what a monitor on a physical server would show. The VM console also provides power management and removable device connectivity controls, which might potentially allow a malicious user to bring down a virtual machine. In addition, it also has a performance impact on the service console, especially if many VM console sessions are open simultaneously.

Check content

Remote management services, such as terminal services and SSH, must be used to interact with virtual machines. VM console access should only be granted when remote management services are unavailable or insufficient to perform necessary management tasks. Ask the SA if a VM console is used to perform VM management tasks, other than for troubleshooting VM issues. If a VM console is used to perform VM management tasks, other than for troubleshooting VM issues, this is a finding. If SSH and/or terminal management services are exclusively used to perform management tasks, this is not a finding.

Fix text

Develop a policy prohibiting the use of a VM console for performing management services. This policy should include procedures for the use of SSH and Terminal Management services for VM management. Where SSH and Terminal Management services prove insufficient to troubleshoot a VM, access to the VM console may be temporarily granted.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.

Powered by sagemincer