The layer 2 switch must fail to a secure state if system initialization fails, shutdown fails, or aborts fail.

From Layer 2 Switch Security Requirements Guide

Associated with: CCI-001190

SV-76655r1_rule The layer 2 switch must fail to a secure state if system initialization fails, shutdown fails, or aborts fail.

Vulnerability discussion

Failure to a known safe state helps prevent systems from failing to a state that may cause loss of data or unauthorized access to system resources. Network elements that fail suddenly and with no incorporated failure state planning may leave the hosting system available but with a reduced security protection capability. Preserving information system state information also facilitates system restart and return to the operational mode of the organization with less disruption to mission-essential processes.An example is a firewall that blocks all traffic rather than allowing all traffic when a firewall component fails (e.g., fail closed and do not forward traffic). This prevents an attacker from forcing a failure of the system in order to obtain access. Abort refers to stopping a program or function before it has finished naturally. The term abort refers to both requested and unexpected terminations.

Check content

Review the vendor documentation to determine if the layer 2 switch will fail to a secure state in the event that the system initialization fails, shutdown fails, or abort fails. If the layer 2 switch does not fail to a secure state in the event that the system initialization fails, shutdown fails, or abort fails, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the layer 2 switch to fail to a secure state upon failure of initialization, shutdown, or abort actions.

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