Skip to content
ATO Pathways
Log In
Overview
Search
Catalogs
SCAP
OSCAL
Catalogs
Profiles
Resources
Documents
Publishers
References
Knowledge Base
Platform Documentation
Compliance Dictionary
Platform Changelog
About
Catalogs
XCCDF
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 Security Technical Implementation Guide
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 Security Technical Implementation Guide
An XCCDF Benchmark
Details
Profiles
Items
Prose
File Metadata
69 rules organized in 69 groups
PP-MDF-331090
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must allow the administrator (MDM) to perform the following management function: enable/disable VPN protection across the device and [selection: on a per-app basis, on a per-group of applications processes basis].
Low Severity
The system administrator must have the capability to configure VPN access to meet organization-specific policies based on mission needs. Otherwise, a user could inadvertently or maliciously set up a VPN and connect to a network that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #3
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud document and data synchronization).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud Keychain).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (Cloud Photo Library).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud Photo Sharing, also known as Shared Stream or Shared Photo Stream).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (managed applications data stored in iCloud).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333250
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow backup to remote systems (enterprise books).
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333024
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to enforce a minimum password length of six characters.
Medium Severity
Password strength is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute force attacks. The ability to crack a password is a function of how many attempts an adversary is permitted, how quickly an adversary can do each attempt, and the size of the password space. The longer the minimum length of the password is, the larger the password space. Having a too-short minimum password length significantly reduces password strength, increasing the chance of password compromise and resulting device and data compromise. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #1
PP-MDF-333025
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to not allow passwords that include more than four repeating or sequential characters.
Medium Severity
Password strength is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute force attacks. Passwords that contain repeating or sequential characters are significantly easier to guess than those that do not contain repeating or sequential characters. Therefore, disallowing repeating or sequential characters increases password strength and decreases risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #1
PP-MDF-333030
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to lock the display after 15 minutes (or less) of inactivity.
Medium Severity
The screen lock timeout must be set to a value that helps protect the device from unauthorized access. Having a too-long timeout would increase the window of opportunity for adversaries who gain physical access to the mobile device through loss, theft, etc. Such devices are much more likely to be in an unlocked state when acquired by an adversary, thus granting immediate access to the data on the mobile device. The maximum timeout period of 15 minutes has been selected to balance functionality and security; shorter timeout periods may be appropriate depending on the risks posed to the mobile device. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #2
PP-MDF-333040
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to not allow more than 10 consecutive failed authentication attempts.
Medium Severity
The more attempts an adversary has to guess a password, the more likely the adversary will enter the correct password and gain access to resources on the device. Setting a limit on the number of attempts mitigates this risk. Setting the limit at 10 or less gives authorized users the ability to make a few mistakes when entering the password but still provides adequate protection against dictionary or brute force attacks on the password. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #2, FIA_AFL_EXT.1.5
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to enforce a passcode reuse prohibition of at least two generations.
High Severity
iOS-iPadOS 17 and later versions include a feature that allows the previous passcode to be valid for 72 hours after a passcode change. If the previous passcode has been compromised and the attacker has access to it and the Apple device, enterprise data and the enterprise network can be compromised. Currently there is no MDM control to force the old passcode to expire immediately after passcode change. The previous passcode will expire immediately after a passcode change if the MDM password history control is implemented. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-333050
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to enforce an application installation policy by specifying one or more authorized application repositories, including [selection: DOD-approved commercial app repository, MDM server, mobile application store].
Medium Severity
Forcing all applications to be installed from authorized application repositories can prevent unauthorized and malicious applications from being installed and executed on mobile devices. Allowing such installations and executions could cause a compromise of DOD data accessible by these unauthorized/malicious applications. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
PP-MDF-333070
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not include applications with the following characteristics: access to Siri when the device is locked.
Medium Severity
Requiring all authorized applications to be in an application allow list prevents the execution of any applications (e.g., unauthorized, malicious) that are not part of the allow list. Failure to configure an application allow list properly could allow unauthorized and malicious applications to be downloaded, installed, and executed on the mobile device, causing a compromise of DOD data accessible by these applications. Applications with the listed characteristics have features that can cause the compromise of sensitive DOD data or have features with no known application in the DOD environment. Application note: The application allow list, in addition to controlling the installation of applications on the MD, must control user access/execution of all core and preinstalled applications, or the MD must provide an alternate method of restricting user access/execution to core and preinstalled applications. Core application: Any application integrated into the OS by the OS or MD vendors. Preinstalled application: Additional noncore applications included in the OS build by the OS vendor, MD vendor, or wireless carrier. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
PP-MDF-333070
1 Rule
The Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 allow list must be configured to not include applications with the following characteristics: - Backs up MD data to non-DOD cloud servers (including user and application access to cloud backup services); - Transmits MD diagnostic data to non-DOD servers; - Allows synchronization of data or applications between devices associated with user; - Allows unencrypted (or encrypted but not FIPS 140-3 validated) data sharing with other MDs or printers; - Backs up its own data to a remote system; and - Uses artificial intelligence (AI), which processes data in the cloud (off device). Exception: Apple Intelligence Private Cloud Compute (PCC).
Medium Severity
Requiring all authorized applications to be in an application allow list prevents the execution of any applications (e.g., unauthorized, malicious) that are not part of the allow list. Failure to configure an application allow list properly could allow unauthorized and malicious applications to be downloaded, installed, and executed on the mobile device, causing a compromise of DOD data accessible by these applications. Applications with the listed characteristics have features that can cause the compromise of sensitive DOD data or have features with no known application in the DOD environment. Application note: The application allow list, in addition to controlling the installation of applications on the MD, must control user access/execution of all core and preinstalled applications, or the MD must provide an alternate method of restricting user access/execution to core and preinstalled applications. Core application: Any application integrated into the OS by the OS or MD vendors. Preinstalled application: Additional noncore applications included in the OS build by the OS vendor, MD vendor, or wireless carrier. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
PP-MDF-333080
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to not display notifications when the device is locked.
Medium Severity
Many mobile devices display notifications on the lock screen so users can obtain relevant information in a timely manner without having to frequently unlock the phone to determine if there are new notifications. However, in many cases, these notifications can contain sensitive information. When they are available on the lock screen, an adversary can see them merely by being in close physical proximity to the device. Configuring the mobile operating system to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-333080
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not display notifications (calendar information) when the device is locked.
Medium Severity
Many mobile devices display notifications on the lock screen so users can obtain relevant information in a timely manner without having to frequently unlock the phone to determine if there are new notifications. However, in many cases, these notifications can contain sensitive information. When they are available on the lock screen, an adversary can see them merely by being in close physical proximity to the device. Configuring the mobile operating system to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-333160
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to display the DOD advisory warning message at startup or each time the user unlocks the device.
Low Severity
Before granting access to the system, the mobile operating system is required to display the DOD-approved system use notification message or banner that provides privacy and security notices consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance. Required banners help ensure that DOD can audit and monitor the activities of mobile device users without legal restriction. System use notification messages can be displayed when individuals first access or unlock the mobile device. The banner must be implemented as a "click-through" banner at device unlock (to the extent permitted by the operating system). A "click-through" banner prevents further activity on the information system unless and until the user executes a positive action to manifest agreement by clicking on a box indicating "OK". The approved DOD text must be used exactly as required in the Knowledge Service referenced in DODI 8500.01. For devices accommodating banners of 1300 characters, the banner text is: You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only. By using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions: -The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct (PM), law enforcement (LE), and counterintelligence (CI) investigations. -At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS. -Communications using, or data stored on, this IS are not private, are subject to routine monitoring, interception, and search, and may be disclosed or used for any USG-authorized purpose. -This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy. -Notwithstanding the above, using this IS does not constitute consent to PM, LE or CI investigative searching or monitoring of the content of privileged communications, or work product, related to personal representation or services by attorneys, psychotherapists, or clergy, and their assistants. Such communications and work product are private and confidential. See User Agreement for details. For devices with severe character limitations, the banner text is: I've read & consent to terms in IS user agreem't. The administrator must configure the banner text exactly as written without any changes. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #36
PP-MDF-333240
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to not allow backup of [all applications, configuration data] to locally connected systems.
Medium Severity
Data on mobile devices is protected by numerous mechanisms, including user authentication, access control, and cryptography. When the data is backed up to an external system (either locally connected or cloud based), many if not all of these mechanisms are no longer present. This leaves the backed-up data vulnerable to attack. Disabling backup to external systems mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-333280
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow non-DOD applications to access DOD data.
Medium Severity
App data sharing gives apps the ability to access the data of other apps for enhanced user functionality. However, sharing also poses a significant risk that unauthorized users or apps will obtain access to sensitive DOD information. To mitigate this risk, there are data sharing restrictions. If a user is allowed to make exceptions to the data sharing restriction policy, the user could enable unauthorized sharing of data, leaving it vulnerable to breach. Limiting the granting of exceptions to either the administrator or common application developer mitigates this risk. Copy/paste of data between applications in different application processes or groups of application processes is considered an exception to the access control policy; therefore, the administrator must be able to enable/disable the feature. Other exceptions include allowing any data or application sharing between process groups. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-333290
1 Rule
Apple iPadOS 18 must be configured to disable multiuser modes.
Medium Severity
Multiuser mode allows multiple users to share a mobile device by providing a degree of separation between user data. To date, no mobile device with multiuser mode features meets DOD requirements for access control, data separation, and nonrepudiation for user accounts. In addition, the MDFPP does not include design requirements for multiuser account services. Disabling multiuser mode mitigates the risk of not meeting DOD multiuser account security policies. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47a
PP-MDF-333300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to [selection: wipe protected data, wipe sensitive data] upon unenrollment from MDM.
Medium Severity
When a mobile device is no longer going to be managed by MDM technologies, its protected/sensitive data must be sanitized because it will no longer be protected by the MDM software, putting it at much greater risk of unauthorized access and disclosure. At least one of the two options must be selected. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.2.1
PP-MDF-333310
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to [selection: remove Enterprise applications, remove all noncore applications (any nonfactory-installed application)] upon unenrollment from MDM.
Medium Severity
When a mobile device is no longer going to be managed by MDM technologies, its protected/sensitive data must be sanitized because it will no longer be protected by the MDM software, putting it at much greater risk of unauthorized access and disclosure. At least one of the two options must be selected. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.2.1
PP-MDF-333330
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to disable ad hoc wireless client-to-client connection capability.
Medium Severity
Ad hoc wireless client-to-client connections allow mobile devices to communicate with each other directly, circumventing network security policies and making the traffic invisible. This could allow the exposure of sensitive DOD data and increase the risk of downloading and installing malware on the DOD mobile device. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/WLAN
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must require a valid password be successfully entered before the mobile device data is unencrypted.
High Severity
Passwords provide a form of access control that prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing computing resources and sensitive data. Passwords may also be a source of entropy for generation of key encryption or data encryption keys. If a password is not required to access data, this data is accessible to any adversary who obtains physical possession of the device. Requiring that a password be successfully entered before the mobile device data is unencrypted mitigates this risk. Note: MDF PP requires a Password Authentication Factor and requires management of its length and complexity. It leaves open whether the existence of a password is subject to management. This requirement addresses the configuration to require a password, which is critical to the cybersecurity posture of the device. SFRID: FIA_UAU_EXT.1.1
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: limit Ad Tracking.
Low Severity
Ad Tracking refers to the advertisers' ability to categorize the device and spam the user with ads that are most relevant to the user's preferences. By not "Force limiting ad tracking", advertising companies are able to gather information about the user and device's browsing habits. If "Limit Ad Tracking" is not limited, a database of browsing habits of DOD devices can be gathered and stored under no supervision of the DOD. Limiting ad tracking does not completely mitigate the risk but does limit the amount of information gathering. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not allow automatic completion of Safari browser passcodes.
Low Severity
The AutoFill functionality in the Safari web browser allows the user to complete a form that contains sensitive information, such as PII, without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of the AutoFill functionality, an adversary who learns a user's iPhone or iPad passcode, or who otherwise is able to unlock the device, may be able to further breach other systems by relying on the AutoFill feature to provide information unknown to the adversary. By disabling the AutoFill functionality, the risk of an adversary gaining additional information about the device's user or compromising other systems is significantly mitigated. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: encrypt backups/Encrypt local backup.
Medium Severity
If iCloud backups are not encrypted, this could lead to the unauthorized disclosure of DOD sensitive information if non-DOD personnel are able to access that machine. Forcing the backup to be encrypted greatly mitigates the risk of compromising sensitive data. Work data iCloud backup and USB connections to computers are not authorized, but this control provides defense-in-depth for cases in which a user violates policy either intentionally or inadvertently. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not allow use of Handoff.
Low Severity
Handoff permits a user of an iPhone and iPad to transition user activities from one device to another. Handoff passes sufficient information between the devices to describe the activity, but app data synchronization associated with the activity is handled though iCloud, which should be disabled on a compliant iPhone and iPad. If a user associates both DOD and personal devices to the same Apple ID, the user may improperly reveal information about the nature of the user's activities on an unprotected device. Disabling Handoff mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not allow use of iPhone widgets on Mac.
Low Severity
iPhone widgets on Mac use Handoff. Handoff permits a user of an iPhone and iPad to transition user activities from one device to another. Handoff passes sufficient information between the devices to describe the activity, but app data synchronization associated with the activity is handled though iCloud, which should be disabled on a compliant iPhone and iPad. If a user associates both DOD and personal devices to the same Apple ID, the user may improperly reveal information about the nature of the user's activities on an unprotected device. Disabling Handoff mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: require the user to enter a password when connecting to an AirPlay-enabled device.
Low Severity
When a user is allowed to use AirPlay without a password, it may mistakenly associate the iPhone and iPad with an AirPlay-enabled device other than the one intended (i.e., by choosing the wrong one from the AirPlay list displayed). This creates the potential for someone in control of a mistakenly associated device to obtain DOD sensitive information without authorization. Requiring a password before such an association mitigates this risk. Passwords do not require any administration and are not required to comply with any complexity requirements. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: require passcode for incoming Airplay connection requests.
Low Severity
When an incoming AirPlay request is allowed without a password, it may mistakenly associate the iPhone and iPad with an AirPlay-enabled device other than the one intended (i.e., by choosing the wrong one from the AirPlay list displayed). This creates the potential for someone in control of a mistakenly associated device to obtain DOD sensitive information without authorization. Requiring a password before such an association mitigates this risk. Passwords do not require any administration and are not required to comply with any complexity requirements. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: disable Allow MailDrop.
Medium Severity
MailDrop allows users to send large attachments (up to 5 GB) via iCloud. Storing data with a non-DOD cloud provider may leave the data vulnerable to breach. Disabling non-DOD cloud services mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
iPhone and iPad must have the latest available iOS/iPadOS operating system installed.
High Severity
Required security features are not available in earlier OS versions. In addition, earlier versions may have known vulnerabilities. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: use SSL for Exchange ActiveSync.
Medium Severity
Exchange email messages are a form of data in transit and thus are vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), also referred to as Transport Layer Security (TLS), provides encryption and authentication services that mitigate the risk of breach. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not allow messages in an ActiveSync Exchange account to be forwarded or moved to other accounts in the Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 Mail app.
Medium Severity
The Apple iOS/iPadOS Mail app can be configured to support multiple email accounts concurrently. These email accounts are likely to involve content of varying degrees of sensitivity (e.g., both personal and enterprise messages). To prevent the unauthorized and undetected forwarding or moving of messages from one account to another, Mail ActiveSync Exchange accounts can be configured to block such behavior. While users may still send a message from the Exchange account to another account, these transactions must involve an Exchange server, enabling audit records of the transaction, filtering of mail content, and subsequent forensic analysis. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: treat AirDrop as an unmanaged destination.
Medium Severity
AirDrop is a way to send contact information or photos to other users with AirDrop enabled. This feature enables a possible attack vector for adversaries to exploit. Once the attacker has gained access to the information broadcast by this feature, the attacker may distribute this sensitive information very quickly and without DOD's control or awareness. By disabling this feature, the risk of mass data exfiltration will be mitigated. Note: If the site uses Apple's optional Automatic Device Enrollment, this control is available as a supervised MDM control. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not have any Family Members in Family Sharing.
Low Severity
Apple's Family Sharing service allows Apple iOS/iPadOS users to create a Family Group whose members have several shared capabilities, including the ability to lock, wipe, play a sound on, or locate the iPhone and iPads of other members. Each member of the group must be invited to the group and accept that invitation. A DOD user's iPhone and iPad may be inadvertently or maliciously wiped by another member of the Family Group. This poses a risk that the user could be without a mobile device for a period of time or lose sensitive information that has not been backed up to other storage media. Configuring iPhone and iPads so their associated Apple IDs are not members of Family Groups mitigates this risk. Note: If the site uses Apple's optional Automatic Device Enrollment, this control is available as a supervised MDM control. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: not share location data through iCloud.
Medium Severity
Sharing of location data is an operational security (OPSEC) risk because it potentially allows an adversary to determine a DOD user's location, movements, and patterns in those movements over time. An adversary could use this information to target the user or gather intelligence on the user's likely activities. Using commercial cloud services to store and handle location data could leave the data vulnerable to breach, particularly by sophisticated adversaries. Disabling the use of such services mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: force Apple Watch wrist detection.
Low Severity
Because Apple Watch is a personal device, it is key that any sensitive DOD data displayed on the Apple Watch cannot be viewed when the watch is not in the immediate possession of the user. This control ensures the Apple Watch screen locks when the user takes the watch off, thereby protecting sensitive DOD data from possible exposure. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 users must complete required training.
Medium Severity
The security posture on iOS devices requires the device user to configure several required policy rules on their device. User-Based Enforcement (UBE) is required for these controls. In addition, if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store, users must receive training on risks. If a user is not aware of their responsibilities and does not comply with UBE requirements, the security posture of the iOS mobile device and DOD sensitive data may become compromised. SFRID: NA
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
A managed photo app must be used to take and store work-related photos.
Medium Severity
The iOS Photos app is unmanaged and may sync photos with a device or user's personal iCloud account. Therefore, work-related photos must not be taken via the iOS camera app or stored in the Photos app. A managed photo app must be used to take and manage work-related photos. SFRID: NA
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: enable USB Restricted Mode.
Medium Severity
The USB port on an iOS device can be used to access data on the device. The required settings ensure the Apple device password is entered before a previously trusted USB accessory can connect to the device. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow managed apps to write contacts to unmanaged contacts accounts.
Low Severity
Managed apps have been approved for the handling of DOD sensitive information. Unmanaged apps are provided for productivity and morale purposes but are not approved to handle DOD sensitive information. Examples of unmanaged apps include those for news services, travel guides, maps, and social networking. If a document were to be viewed in a managed app and the user had the ability to open this same document in an unmanaged app, this could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD data. In some cases, the unmanaged apps are connected to cloud backup or social networks that would permit dissemination of DOD sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Not allowing data to be opened within unmanaged apps mitigates the risk of compromising sensitive data. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must not allow unmanaged apps to read contacts from managed contacts accounts.
Low Severity
Managed apps have been approved for the handling of DOD sensitive information. Unmanaged apps are provided for productivity and morale purposes but are not approved to handle DOD sensitive information. Examples of unmanaged apps include those for news services, travel guides, maps, and social networking. If a document were to be viewed in a managed app and the user had the ability to open this same document in an unmanaged app, this could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD data. In some cases, the unmanaged apps are connected to cloud backup or social networks that would permit dissemination of DOD sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Not allowing data to be opened within unmanaged apps mitigates the risk of compromising sensitive data. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: disable AirDrop.
Medium Severity
AirDrop is a way to send contact information or photos to other users with this same feature enabled. This feature enables a possible attack vector for adversaries to exploit. Once the attacker has gained access to the information broadcast by this feature, the attacker may distribute this sensitive information very quickly and without DOD's control or awareness. By disabling this feature, the risk of mass data exfiltration will be mitigated. Note: If the site uses Apple's optional Automatic Device Enrollment, this control is available as a supervised MDM control. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: disable paired Apple Watch.
Medium Severity
Authorizing official (AO) approval is required before an Apple Watch (DOD-owned or personally owned) can be paired with a DOD-owned iPhone to ensure the AO has evaluated the risk in having sensitive DOD data transferred to and stored on an Apple Watch in their operational environment. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: approved Apple Watches must be managed by an MDM.
Medium Severity
Authorizing official (AO) approval is required before an Apple Watch (DOD-owned or personally owned) can be paired with a DOD-owned iPhone to ensure the AO has evaluated the risk in having sensitive DOD data transferred to and stored on an Apple Watch in their operational environment. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable "Password AutoFill" in browsers and applications.
Medium Severity
The AutoFill functionality in browsers and applications allows the user to complete a form that contains sensitive information, such as PII, without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of the AutoFill functionality, an adversary who learns a user's iPhone and iPad passcode, or who otherwise is able to unlock the device, may be able to further breach other systems by relying on the AutoFill feature to provide information unknown to the adversary. By disabling the AutoFill functionality, the risk of an adversary gaining further information about the device's user or compromising other systems is significantly mitigated. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable "Allow setting up new nearby devices".
Medium Severity
This control allows Apple device users to request passwords from nearby devices. This could lead to a compromise of the device password with an unauthorized person or device. DOD Apple device passwords must not be shared. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable password proximity requests.
Medium Severity
This control allows one Apple device to be notified to share its password with a nearby device. This could lead to a compromise of the device password with an unauthorized person or device. DOD Apple device passwords must not be shared. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable password sharing.
Medium Severity
This control allows sharing passwords between Apple devices using AirDrop. This could lead to a compromise of the device password with an unauthorized person or device. DOD Apple device passwords must not be shared. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable "Find My Friends" in the "Find My" app.
Low Severity
This control does not share a DOD user's location but encourages location sharing between DOD mobile device users, which can lead to operational security (OPSEC) risks. Sharing the location of a DOD mobile device is a violation of AIOS-17-011700. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
The Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be supervised by the MDM.
Medium Severity
When an iOS/iPadOS is not supervised, the DOD mobile service provider cannot control when new iOS/iPadOS updates are installed on site-managed devices. Most updates should be installed immediately to mitigate new security vulnerabilities, while some sites need to test each update prior to installation to ensure critical missions are not adversely impacted by the update. Several password and data protection controls can be implemented only when an Apple device is supervised. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-333240
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable "Allow USB drive access in Files app" if the authorizing official (AO) has not approved the use of DOD-approved USB storage drives with iOS/iPadOS devices.
Medium Severity
Unauthorized use of USB storage drives could lead to the introduction of malware or unauthorized software into the DOD IT infrastructure and compromise of sensitive DOD information and systems. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
The Apple iOS must be configured to disable automatic transfer of diagnostic data to an external device other than an MDM service with which the device has enrolled.
Low Severity
Many software systems automatically send diagnostic data to the manufacturer or a third-party. This data enables the developers to understand real-world field behavior and improve the product based on that information. Unfortunately, it can also reveal information about what DOD users are doing with the systems and what causes them to fail. An adversary embedded within the software development team or elsewhere could use the information acquired to breach mobile operating system security. Disabling automatic transfer of such information mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47a
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS must implement the management setting: not allow a user to remove Apple iOS configuration profiles that enforce DOD security requirements.
Medium Severity
Configuration profiles define security policies on Apple iOS devices. If a user is able to remove a configuration profile, the user can then change the configuration that had been enforced by that policy. Relaxing security policies may introduce vulnerabilities the profiles had mitigated. Configuring a profile to never be removed mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable "Allow network drive access in Files access".
Medium Severity
Allowing network drive access by the Files app could lead to the introduction of malware or unauthorized software into the DOD IT infrastructure and compromise of sensitive DOD information and systems. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable connections to Siri servers for the purpose of dictation.
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. Dictation information could contain sensitive DOD information; therefore, should not leave the DOD control. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable connections to Siri servers for the purpose of translation.
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. Translation information could contain sensitive DOD information and therefore should not leave the DOD control. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable copy/paste of data from managed to unmanaged applications.
Medium Severity
If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-333350
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must have DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates installed.
Medium Severity
DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates are used to verify the authenticity of PKI certificates of users and web services. If the user is allowed to remove root and intermediate certificates, the user could allow an adversary to falsely sign a certificate in such a way that it could not be detected. Restricting the ability to remove DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates to the administrator mitigates this risk. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must be configured to disable "Auto Unlock" of the iPhone by an Apple Watch.
Medium Severity
Auto Unlock allows an Apple Watch to automatically unlock an iPhone or Mac when in close proximity (not available for iPad). This feature allows the iPhone/Mac to be unlocked without the user entering the device passcode, which may lead to unauthorized users access to the iPhone/Mac and sensitive DOD data. This control is not applicable if the authorizing official (AO) has approved the use of Apple Watches. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable the installation of alternative marketplace apps.
Medium Severity
Forcing all applications to be installed from authorized application repositories can prevent unauthorized and malicious applications from being installed and executed on mobile devices. Allowing such installations and executions could cause a compromise of DOD data accessible by these unauthorized/malicious applications. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable app installation from a website.
Medium Severity
Forcing all applications to be installed from authorized application repositories can prevent unauthorized and malicious applications from being installed and executed on mobile devices. Allowing such installations and executions could cause a compromise of DOD data accessible by these unauthorized/malicious applications. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must delete eSIM content when the device is erased.
Medium Severity
An eSIM may contain sensitive DOD data and must be wiped of data when the mobile device is wiped to protect sensitive data from exposure. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable ChatGPT and other external AI app connections in Apple Intelligence.
Medium Severity
The ChatGPT feature of Apple Intelligence allows DOD information to be downloaded from the DOD iPhone/iPad and processed by the ChatGPT application in the cloud. The ChatGPT feature of Apple Intelligence increases the risk of compromise of sensitive DOD information. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must disable the download of iOS/iPadOS beta updates.
Medium Severity
Beta operating system updates may contain features that could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD information or provide a vector for the attack on the DOD network. The current STIG will not normally provide controls to disable these unsecure features.