The IBM z/VM must restrict link access to the disk on which system software resides.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-237934	IBMZ-VM-000880	SV-237934r649642_rule		Medium

Description
If the operating system were to allow any user to make changes to software libraries, then those changes might be implemented without undergoing the appropriate testing and approvals that are part of a robust change management process. This requirement applies to operating systems with software libraries that are accessible and configurable, as in the case of interpreted languages. Software libraries also include privileged programs which execute with escalated privileges. Only qualified and authorized individuals must be allowed to obtain access to information system components for purposes of initiating changes, including upgrades and modifications.

Description

If the operating system were to allow any user to make changes to software libraries, then those changes might be implemented without undergoing the appropriate testing and approvals that are part of a robust change management process. This requirement applies to operating systems with software libraries that are accessible and configurable, as in the case of interpreted languages. Software libraries also include privileged programs which execute with escalated privileges. Only qualified and authorized individuals must be allowed to obtain access to information system components for purposes of initiating changes, including upgrades and modifications.

STIG	Date
IBM zVM Using CA VM:Secure Security Technical Implementation Guide	2021-06-16

Details

Check Text ( C-41144r649640_chk )
Examine the CA VM:Secure rules. If there are Link rules for system software disks granted to anyone other than system administrators, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-41103r649641_fix)
Create a CA VM:Secure rule that grants access for system software disks to system administrators only.