Details
Forms-based authentication can pass credentials across the network in clear text. It is therefore imperative that the traffic between client and server be encrypted using SSL, especially in cases where the site is publicly accessible. It is recommended that communications with any portion of a site using Forms Authentication be encrypted using SSL.
NOTE Due to identified security vulnerabilities, SSL is no longer considered to provides adequate protection for a sensitive information.
Rationale:
Requiring SSL for Forms Authentication will protect the confidentiality of credentials during the login process, helping mitigate the risk of stolen user information.
Solution
1. Open IIS Manager and navigate to the appropriate tier
2. In Features View, double-click Authentication
3. On the Authentication page, select Forms Authentication
4. In the Actions pane, click Edit
5. Check the Requires SSL checkbox in the cookie settings section, click OK
OR
Enter the following command in AppCmd.exe to configure:
%systemroot%system32inetsrvappcmd set config -section:system.web/authentication /mode:Forms
OR
Enter the following command in PowerShell to configure:
Set-WebConfigurationProperty -pspath ‘MACHINE/WEBROOT/APPHOST/Default Web Site’ -filter ‘system.web/authentication/forms’ -name ‘requireSSL’ -value ‘True’
Default Value:
SSL is not required when Forms Authentication is enabled.
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: System and Communications Protection.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.