NET-NAC-009 - The switch must be configured to use 802.1x authentication on host facing access switch ports - '802.1x authentication'

Information

The IEEE 802.1x standard is a client-server based access control and authentication protocol that restricts unauthorized clients from connecting to a local area network through host facing switch ports. The authentication server authenticates each client connected to to a switch port before making any services available to the client from the LAN. Unless the client is successfully authenticated, 802.1x access control allows only Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) traffic through the port to which the client is connected. After authentication is successful, normal traffic can pass through the port. Without the use of 802.1x, a malicious user could use the switch port to connect an unauthorized piece of computer or other network device to inject or steal data from the network without detection.

NOTE: Nessus has provided the target output to assist in reviewing the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Configure 802.1 x authentication on all access switch ports connecting to LAN outlets (i.e., RJ-45 wall plates) or devices not located in the telecom room, wiring closets, or equipment rooms. Configure MAB on those switch ports connected to devices that do not support an 802.1x supplicant.

See Also

https://iasecontent.disa.mil/stigs/zip/U_Network_L2_Switch_V8R27_STIG.zip

Item Details

Category: IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION

References: 800-53|IA-3, CAT|I, Rule-ID|SV-42190r5_rule, STIG-ID|NET-NAC-009, Vuln-ID|V-5626

Plugin: Cisco

Control ID: 7547c86e36ff3c3605c1e6b2ffedf43dd6be13d1cee311e994d5923ddeb5bb8a