The Palo Alto Networks security platform must synchronize internal information system clocks to the authoritative time source when the time difference is greater than one second.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-228664	PANW-NM-000099	SV-228664r856010_rule		Low

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. Synchronizing internal information system clocks provides uniformity of time stamps for information systems with multiple system clocks and systems connected over a network. The Palo Alto Networks security platform can be configured to use specified Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers. Network Time Protocol (NTP) is used to synchronize the system clock of a computer to reference time source. Sources outside of the configured acceptable allowance (drift) may be inaccurate. When properly configured, NTP will synchronize all participating computers to within a few milliseconds of the reference time source.

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. Synchronizing internal information system clocks provides uniformity of time stamps for information systems with multiple system clocks and systems connected over a network. The Palo Alto Networks security platform can be configured to use specified Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers. Network Time Protocol (NTP) is used to synchronize the system clock of a computer to reference time source. Sources outside of the configured acceptable allowance (drift) may be inaccurate. When properly configured, NTP will synchronize all participating computers to within a few milliseconds of the reference time source.

STIG	Date
Palo Alto Networks NDM Security Technical Implementation Guide	2022-09-14

Details

Check Text ( C-30899r513595_chk )
Go to Device >> Setup >> Services In the "Services" window, the names or IP addresses of the Primary NTP Server and Secondary NTP Server must be present. If the "Primary NTP Server" and "Secondary NTP Server" fields are blank, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-30876r513596_fix)
Go to Device >> Setup >> Services Select the "Edit" icon (the gear symbol in the upper-right corner of the pane). In the "Services" window, in the "Primary NTP Server Address" field and the "Secondary NTP Server Address" field, enter the IP address or hostname of the NTP servers. In the "Authentication Type" field, select one of the following: None (default); this option disables NTP authentication. Symmetric Key; this option uses symmetric key exchange, which are shared secrets. Enter the key ID, algorithm, authentication key, and confirm the authentication key. Autokey; this option uses auto key, or public key cryptography. Commit changes by selecting "Commit" in the upper-right corner of the screen. Select "OK" when the confirmation dialog appears.

Fix Text (F-30876r513596_fix)

Go to Device >> Setup >> Services
Select the "Edit" icon (the gear symbol in the upper-right corner of the pane).
In the "Services" window, in the "Primary NTP Server Address" field and the "Secondary NTP Server Address" field, enter the IP address or hostname of the NTP servers.

In the "Authentication Type" field, select one of the following:
None (default); this option disables NTP authentication.
Symmetric Key; this option uses symmetric key exchange, which are shared secrets. Enter the key ID, algorithm, authentication key, and confirm the authentication key.
Autokey; this option uses auto key, or public key cryptography.
Commit changes by selecting "Commit" in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Select "OK" when the confirmation dialog appears.