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The switch must be configured to use 802.1x authentication on host facing access switch ports.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-5626 NET-NAC-009 SV-5626r5_rule High
Description
The IEEE 802.1x standard is a client-server based access control and authentication protocol that restricts unauthorized clients from connecting to a local area network through host facing switch ports. The authentication server authenticates each client connected to to a switch port before making any services available to the client from the LAN. Unless the client is successfully authenticated, 802.1x access control allows only Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) traffic through the port to which the client is connected. After authentication is successful, normal traffic can pass through the port. Without the use of 802.1x, a malicious user could use the switch port to connect an unauthorized piece of computer or other network device to inject or steal data from the network without detection.
STIG Date
Layer 2 Switch Security Technical Implementation Guide 2018-11-27

Details

Check Text ( C-23203r8_chk )
Verify if the switch configuration has 802.1x authentication implemented for all access switch ports connecting to LAN outlets (i.e., RJ-45 wall plates) or devices not located in the telecom room, wiring closets, or equipment rooms. MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) must be configured on those switch ports connected to devices that do not support an 802.1x supplicant.

If 802.1x authentication or MAB is not configured on all access switch ports connecting to LAN outlets or devices not located in the telecom room, wiring closets, or equipment rooms, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-5537r5_fix)
Configure 802.1 x authentication on all access switch ports connecting to LAN outlets (i.e., RJ-45 wall plates) or devices not located in the telecom room, wiring closets, or equipment rooms. Configure MAB on those switch ports connected to devices that do not support an 802.1x supplicant.