The Cisco switch must be configured to disable non-essential capabilities.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-220674	CISC-L2-000010	SV-220674r539671_rule		Medium

Description
A compromised switch introduces risk to the entire network infrastructure as well as data resources that are accessible via the network. The perimeter defense has no oversight or control of attacks by malicious users within the network. Preventing network breaches from within is dependent on implementing a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy, including securing each device connected to the network. This is accomplished by following and implementing all security guidance applicable for each node type. A fundamental step in securing each switch is to enable only the capabilities required for operation.

Description

A compromised switch introduces risk to the entire network infrastructure as well as data resources that are accessible via the network. The perimeter defense has no oversight or control of attacks by malicious users within the network. Preventing network breaches from within is dependent on implementing a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy, including securing each device connected to the network. This is accomplished by following and implementing all security guidance applicable for each node type. A fundamental step in securing each switch is to enable only the capabilities required for operation.

STIG	Date
Cisco NX OS Switch L2S Security Technical Implementation Guide	2024-06-06

Details

Check Text ( C-22389r539073_chk )
Verify that the switch does not have any unnecessary or non-secure ports, protocols, and services enabled. For example, the following features such as telnet should never be enabled, while other features should only be enabled if required for operations. feature telnet feature wccp feature nxapi feature imp If any unnecessary or non-secure ports, protocols, or services are enabled, this is a finding.

Check Text ( C-22389r539073_chk )

Verify that the switch does not have any unnecessary or non-secure ports, protocols, and services enabled. For example, the following features such as telnet should never be enabled, while other features should only be enabled if required for operations.

feature telnet
feature wccp
feature nxapi
feature imp

If any unnecessary or non-secure ports, protocols, or services are enabled, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-22378r539074_fix)
Disable features that should not be enabled unless required for operations. SW2(config)# no feature telnet SW2(config)# no feature wccp SW2(config)# no feature nxapi SW2(config)# no feature imp Note: Telnet must always be disabled.