CODEC control / configuration messages received via the local Application Programmers Interface (API) are not encrypted or authenticated.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-17700	RTS-VTC 2840.00	SV-18874r2_rule	DCBP-1 ECSC-1	Medium

Description
The commands passed between the “touch panel” and CODEC are typically in a human readable clear text format. While older touch panels required a physical and direct connection to the EIA-232 serial connection on the CODEC, newer models are being developed to make use of Ethernet networks and associated IP protocols. Wireless models are also becoming available using wireless networking technologies. Sending clear text commands across these types of connections is an issue because it places the CODEC at risk of hijack i.e., being controlled by an entity other than the authorized touch panel in the conference room. Due to these issues, if the touch panel is implemented using a networking technology, the API commands must be encrypted in transit and the CODEC must authenticate the source of the commands.

Description

The commands passed between the “touch panel” and CODEC are typically in a human readable clear text format. While older touch panels required a physical and direct connection to the EIA-232 serial connection on the CODEC, newer models are being developed to make use of Ethernet networks and associated IP protocols. Wireless models are also becoming available using wireless networking technologies. Sending clear text commands across these types of connections is an issue because it places the CODEC at risk of hijack i.e., being controlled by an entity other than the authorized touch panel in the conference room. Due to these issues, if the touch panel is implemented using a networking technology, the API commands must be encrypted in transit and the CODEC must authenticate the source of the commands.

STIG	Date
Video Services Policy STIG	2015-12-29

Details

Check Text ( C-18970r1_chk )
[IP][ISDN]; Validate compliance with the following requirement: Ensure control command communications between a CODEC and an audio visual control panel (touch panel), implemented using a wired or wireless networking technology, or is via a wired network (i.e., LAN), is encrypted and the CODEC authenticates the source of the commands. Note: This finding can be reduced to a CAT III (as opposed to not-a finding) for direct connections using the Ethernet connection on the CODEC. This is because, in this case, direct connection is only a partial mitigation since there is the potential that the VTU could still be connected to a LAN Note: This is not a finding for direct connections using the EIA-232 serial connection on the CODEC. Determine if the API connection between a CODEC and its AV control panel is via wired or wireless networking technology or a LAN. This is a finding if the control panel does not encrypt its commands and the CODEC does not authenticate the source of the commands. Have the SA demonstrate or Inspect the CODEC’s configuration settings regarding the encryption and authentication methods for the API communications with the AV control panel.

Check Text ( C-18970r1_chk )

[IP][ISDN]; Validate compliance with the following requirement:

Ensure control command communications between a CODEC and an audio visual control panel (touch panel), implemented using a wired or wireless networking technology, or is via a wired network (i.e., LAN), is encrypted and the CODEC authenticates the source of the commands.

Note: This finding can be reduced to a CAT III (as opposed to not-a finding) for direct connections using the Ethernet connection on the CODEC. This is because, in this case, direct connection is only a partial mitigation since there is the potential that the VTU could still be connected to a LAN

Note: This is not a finding for direct connections using the EIA-232 serial connection on the CODEC.

Determine if the API connection between a CODEC and its AV control panel is via wired or wireless networking technology or a LAN. This is a finding if the control panel does not encrypt its commands and the CODEC does not authenticate the source of the commands. Have the SA demonstrate or Inspect the CODEC’s configuration settings regarding the encryption and authentication methods for the API communications with the AV control panel.

Fix Text (F-17597r1_fix)
[IP][ISDN]; Perform the following tasks: Purchase and implement VTC CODECs and AV control panels that support the encryption and authentication of API messages from the AV control panel. AND Configure VTC CODEC to only accept authenticated and encrypted API messages from the AV control panel. AND Configure the AV control panel to encrypt its control messages and to include authentication information for each message such that the CODEC can authenticate the source of the message before acting upon it.

Fix Text (F-17597r1_fix)

[IP][ISDN]; Perform the following tasks:
Purchase and implement VTC CODECs and AV control panels that support the encryption and authentication of API messages from the AV control panel.
AND
Configure VTC CODEC to only accept authenticated and encrypted API messages from the AV control panel.
AND
Configure the AV control panel to encrypt its control messages and to include authentication information for each message such that the CODEC can authenticate the source of the message before acting upon it.