Detections
Analytics

7.29 Virtual machines should have virtual machine hardware version 19 or newer

Information

Upgrade to hardware version 19 or newer to access enhanced features and better performance. Test the upgrades and ensure compatibility across all operational landscapes.

Upgrading facilitates improved performance and feature access, aligning with ESXi and vSphere updates, while ensuring service continuity across various environments.

Solution

Before remediation, confirm guest OS and application compatibility, take required backups/snapshots according to policy, then use vSphere Client > Compatibility > Upgrade VM Compatibility or PowerCLI to upgrade to hardware version 19 or later. A VM power cycle may be required.

Impact:

Changes in device versions within the guest may occur, requiring thorough testing to prevent service disruptions. Snapshots can aid in testing, allowing you to revert the hardware version if needed.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/26357

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND SERVICES ACQUISITION

References: 800-53|SA-22, CSCv7|2.2, CSCv7|18.3

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 1ee0cc24edfb7194e3520cdbc2e37f3b8122f7458906342daf965289593e875b