8.5.2 Ensure hardware-based 3D acceleration is disabled

Information

Due to performance reasons, modern graphic rendering is done within a dedicated graphic
processing unit (GPU). Virtual machines can use the host-based GPU for such operations as
well. Such dedicated hardware is typically accessed by using complex APIs like OpenGL and
DirectX. This hardware-based 3D acceleration should be disabled if it is not needed.

*Rationale*

Security flaws within APIs can lead to serious security breaches like memory corruption,
denial of service, and remote code execution.

Solution

To disable hardware-based 3D acceleration, run the following PowerCLI command:

# Add the setting to all VMs
Get-VM | New-AdvancedSetting -Name "mks.enable3d" -value $false

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2168

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-4, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 905569b7d8505ea1c8da3bcb204991bf564f3602f4305e3954ad833228d91680