8.7 (L1) VMware Tools must deactivate GlobalConf unless required

Information

The GlobalConf feature within VMware Tools facilitates the delivery of tools.conf configurations to virtual machines, simplifying configuration management. However, if not necessary, it's advisable to deactivate this feature to reduce potential security risks. The parameter governing this behavior is globalconf enabled with a recommended setting of false.

Deactivating GlobalConf minimizes the attack surface by reducing the number of channels through which configurations can be pushed to virtual machines, hence enhancing security.

NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Impact:

With GlobalConf deactivated, administrators would need to employ alternative methods for updating and reconfiguring VMware Tools, which might require additional steps or tools.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/15784

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, CSCv7|9.1

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 1605b6ece4bc2d0ed98cde69e44e0c142305473bc71eeac23cadd459fab1d47f