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Unauthorized floppy devices must be disconnected on the virtual machine (VM).


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-256457 VMCH-70-000008 SV-256457r886414_rule Medium
Description
Ensure no device is connected to a virtual machine if it is not required. For example, floppy, serial, and parallel ports are rarely used for virtual machines in a data center environment, and CD/DVD drives are usually connected only temporarily during software installation.
STIG Date
VMware vSphere 7.0 Virtual Machine Security Technical Implementation Guide 2023-12-01

Details

Check Text ( C-60132r886412_chk )
Floppy drives are no longer visible through the vSphere Client and must be done via the Application Programming Interface (API) or PowerCLI.

From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command:

Get-VM | Get-FloppyDrive | Select Parent, Name, ConnectionState

If a virtual machine has a floppy drive connected, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-60075r886413_fix)
Floppy drives are no longer visible through the vSphere Client and must be done via the API or PowerCLI.

From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command:

Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-FloppyDrive | Remove-FloppyDrive

Note: The VM must be powered off to remove the floppy drive.