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XCCDF
Google Android 13 COBO Security Technical Implementation Guide
Google Android 13 COBO Security Technical Implementation Guide
An XCCDF Benchmark
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File Metadata
31 rules organized in 31 groups
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to enable audit logging.
Medium Severity
Audit logs enable monitoring of security-relevant events and subsequent forensics when breaches occur. To be useful, administrators must have the ability to view the audit logs. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #32
PP-MDF-323024
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #1a
PP-MDF-323025
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #1b
PP-MDF-323026
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to enable a screen-lock policy that will lock the display after a period of inactivity.
Medium Severity
The screen-lock timeout helps protect the device from unauthorized access. Devices without a screen-lock timeout provide an 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 and possibly access to DOD networks. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #2a
PP-MDF-323030
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #2b
PP-MDF-323040
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #2c, FIA_AFL_EXT.1.5
PP-MDF-323050
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #8a
PP-MDF-323060
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to enforce an application installation policy by specifying an application allowlist that restricts applications by the following characteristics: [selection: list of digital signatures, cryptographic hash values, names, application version].
Medium Severity
The application allowlist, 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. Requiring all authorized applications to be in an application allowlist prevents the execution of any applications (e.g., unauthorized, malicious) that are not part of the allowlist. Failure to configure an application allowlist 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. The application allowlist, in addition to controlling the installation of applications on the MD, must control user access/execution of all core applications (included in the OS by the OS vendor) and preinstalled applications (provided by the MD vendor and wireless carrier), or the MD must provide an alternate method of restricting user access/execution to core and preinstalled applications. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #8b
PP-MDF-323070
1 Rule
Google Android 13 allowlist must be configured to not include applications with the following characteristics: 1. Back up mobile device (MD) data to non-DOD cloud servers (including user and application access to cloud backup services); 2. Transmit MD diagnostic data to non-DOD servers; 3. Voice assistant application if available when MD is locked; 4. Voice dialing application if available when MD is locked; 5. Allows synchronization of data or applications between devices associated with user; and 6. Allows unencrypted (or encrypted but not FIPS 140-2 validated) data sharing with other MDs or printers.
Medium Severity
Requiring all authorized applications to be in an application allowlist prevents the execution of any applications (e.g., unauthorized, malicious) that are not part of the allowlist. Failure to configure an application allowlist 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 allowlist, 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #8b
PP-MDF-323080
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to not display the following (work profile) notifications when the device is locked: [selection: a. email notifications b. calendar appointments c. contact associated with phone call notification d. text message notification e. other application-based notifications f. all notifications].
Medium Severity
Many mobile devices display notifications on the lock screen so that 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 (MOS) to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-323110
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disable trust agents.
Medium Severity
Trust agents allow a user to unlock a mobile device without entering a passcode when the mobile device is, for example, connected to a user-selected Bluetooth device or in a user-selected location. This technology would allow unauthorized users to have access to DOD sensitive data if compromised. By not permitting the use of non-password authentication mechanisms, users are forced to use passcodes that meet DOD passcode requirements. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #22, FIA_UAU.5.1
PP-MDF-323130
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disable developer modes.
Medium Severity
Developer modes expose features of the mobile operating system (MOS) that are not available during standard operation. An adversary may leverage a vulnerability inherent in a developer mode to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of DOD sensitive information. Disabling developer modes mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #26
PP-MDF-323160
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #36
PP-MDF-323170
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to generate audit records for the following auditable events: Detected integrity violations.
Medium Severity
Audit logs enable monitoring of security-relevant events and subsequent forensics when breaches occur. They help identify attacks so that breaches can be prevented or limited in their scope. They facilitate analysis to improve performance and security. The Requirement Statement lists key events for which the system must generate an audit record. Note: This requirement applies only to integrity violation detections that can be logged by the audit logging component. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #37
PP-MDF-323230
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disable USB mass storage mode.
Medium Severity
USB mass storage mode enables the transfer of data and software from one device to another. This software can include malware. When USB mass storage is enabled on a mobile device, it becomes a potential vector for malware and unauthorized data exfiltration. Prohibiting USB mass storage mode mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #39
PP-MDF-323240
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-323250
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to not allow backup of [all applications, configuration data] to remote systems.
Medium Severity
Backups to remote systems (including cloud backup) can leave data vulnerable to breach on the external systems, which often offer less protection than the mobile operating system (MOS). Where the remote backup involves a cloud-based solution, the backup capability is often used to synchronize data across multiple devices. In this case, DOD devices may synchronize DOD sensitive information to a user's personal device or other unauthorized computers that are vulnerable to breach. Disallowing remote backup mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-323290
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47a
PP-MDF-323320
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disable Bluetooth or configured via User Based Enforcement (UBE) to allow Bluetooth for only Headset Profile (HSP), Hands-Free Profile (HFP), and Serial Port Profile (SPP).
Low Severity
Some Bluetooth profiles provide the capability for remote transfer of sensitive DOD data without encryption or otherwise do not meet DOD IT security policies and therefore must be disabled. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/BLUETOOTH BT-8
PP-MDF-323330
1 Rule
Google Android 13 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/WLAN
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 users must complete required training.
Medium Severity
The security posture of Google 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 the use of an unmanaged personal space, the user 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 Google mobile device may become compromised, and DOD sensitive data may become compromised. SFR ID: NA
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to enforce that Wi-Fi Sharing is disabled.
Medium Severity
Wi-Fi Sharing is an optional configuration of Wi-Fi Tethering/Mobile Hotspot, which allows the device to share its Wi-Fi connection with other wirelessly connected devices instead of its mobile (cellular) connection. Wi-Fi Sharing grants the "other" device access to a corporate Wi-Fi network and may possibly bypass the network access control mechanisms. This risk can be partially mitigated by requiring the use of a preshared key for personal hotspots. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must have the 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 root and intermediate certificates are not available, an adversary could falsely sign a certificate in such a way that it could not be detected. Providing access to the DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates greatly diminishes the risk of this attack. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
The Google Android 13 work profile must be configured to enforce the system application disable list.
Medium Severity
The system application disable list controls user access to/execution of all core and preinstalled applications. Core application: Any application integrated into Google Android 13 by Google. Preinstalled application: Additional noncore applications included in the Google Android 13 build by Google or the wireless carrier. Some system applications can compromise DOD data or upload users' information to non-DOD-approved servers. A user must be blocked from using such applications that exhibit behavior that can result in compromise of DOD data or DOD user information. The site administrator must analyze all preinstalled applications on the device and disable all applications not approved for DOD use by configuring the system application disable list. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disallow configuration of date and time.
Medium Severity
Determining the correct time a particular application event occurred on a system is critical when conducting forensic analysis and investigating system events. Periodically synchronizing internal clocks with an authoritative time source is necessary to correctly correlate the timing of events that occur across the enterprise. The three authoritative time sources for Google Android 13 are an authoritative time server that is synchronized with redundant United States Naval Observatory (USNO) time servers as designated for the appropriate DOD network (NIPRNet or SIPRNet), or the Global Positioning System (GPS), or the wireless carrier. Time stamps generated by the audit system in Google Android 13 must include both date and time. The time may be expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a modern continuation of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or local time with an offset from UTC. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Android 13 devices must have the latest available Google Android 13 operating system installed.
High Severity
Required security features are not available in earlier operating system versions. In addition, there may be known vulnerabilities in earlier versions. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Android 13 devices must be configured to disable the use of third-party keyboards.
Low Severity
Many third-party keyboard applications are known to contain malware. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Android 13 devices must be configured to enable Common Criteria Mode (CC Mode).
Low Severity
The CC Mode feature is a superset of other features and behavioral changes that are mandatory MDFPP requirements. If CC mode is not implemented, the device will not be operating in the NIAP-certified compliant CC Mode of operation. CC Mode implements the following behavioral/functional changes: How the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi keys are stored using different types of encryption. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must be configured to disable all data signaling over [assignment: list of externally accessible hardware ports (for example, USB)].
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. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #24
PP-MDF-323350
1 Rule
The Google Android 13 must allow only the administrator (EMM) to install/remove DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates.
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. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-990000
1 Rule
Google Android 13 must allow only the Administrator (MDM) to perform the following management function: Disable Phone Hub.
Low Severity
It may be possible to transfer work profile data on a DOD Android device to an unauthorized ChromeBook if the user has the same Google Account set up on the ChromeBook and in the work profile on the Android device. This may result in the exposure of sensitive DOD data. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47