Details
Virtual machines might share virtual switches and VLANs with the IP-based storage configurations. IP-based storage includes vSAN, iSCSI, and NFS. This configuration might expose IP-based storage traffic to unauthorized virtual machine users. IP-based storage frequently is not encrypted. It can be viewed by anyone with access to this network. To restrict unauthorized users from viewing the IP-based storage traffic, the IP-based storage network must be logically separated from the production traffic. Configuring the IP-based storage adaptors on separate VLANs or network segments from other VMkernels and Virtual Machines will limit unauthorized users from viewing the traffic.
NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.
Solution
Configuration of an IP-Based VMkernel will be unique to each environment but for example to modify the IP address and VLAN information to the correct network on a standard switch for an iSCSI VMkernel do the following:
From the vSphere Web Client select the ESXi host and go to Configure >> Networking >> VMkernel adapters. Select the Storage VMkernel (for any IP-based storage) and click the pencil icon >> On the Port properties tab uncheck everything (unless vSAN). On the IP Settings tab >> Enter the appropriate IP address and subnet information and click OK. Set the appropriate VLAN ID >> Configure >> Networking >> Virtual switches. Select the Storage portgroup (ISCSI, NFS, vSAN) and click the pencil icon >> On the properties tab, enter the appropriate VLAN ID and click OK.
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Configuration Management.This control applies to the following type of system VMware.
References
- 800-53|CM-6b.
- CAT|II
- CCI|CCI-000366
- Rule-ID|SV-216871r612237_rule
- STIG-ID|VCWN-65-000052
- STIG-Legacy|SV-104637
- STIG-Legacy|V-94807
- Vuln-ID|V-216871