IBM z/VM must employ Clock synchronization software.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-237972	IBMZ-VM-002420	SV-237972r649756_rule		Medium

Description
Inaccurate time stamps make it more difficult to correlate events and can lead to an inaccurate analysis. Determining the correct time a particular event occurred on a system is critical when conducting forensic analysis and investigating system events. Sources outside the configured acceptable allowance (drift) may be inaccurate. Synchronizing internal information system clocks provides uniformity of time stamps for information systems with multiple system clocks and systems connected over a network. Organizations should consider endpoints that may not have regular access to the authoritative time server (e.g., mobile, teleworking, and tactical endpoints).

Description

Inaccurate time stamps make it more difficult to correlate events and can lead to an inaccurate analysis. Determining the correct time a particular event occurred on a system is critical when conducting forensic analysis and investigating system events. Sources outside the configured acceptable allowance (drift) may be inaccurate. Synchronizing internal information system clocks provides uniformity of time stamps for information systems with multiple system clocks and systems connected over a network. Organizations should consider endpoints that may not have regular access to the authoritative time server (e.g., mobile, teleworking, and tactical endpoints).

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

Details

Check Text ( C-41182r649754_chk )
Determine if Clock synchronization software is use. If there is no Clock synchronization software in use, this is a finding. Determine if configuration allows for the synchronizing internal Clock to authoritative source. If software is improperly configured, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-41141r649755_fix)
Configure Clock synchronizing software to compare internal clock to authoritative source at least every 24 hours and when time difference is greater than one second.