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XCCDF
Google Android 15 COPE Security Technical Implementation Guide
Google Android 15 COPE Security Technical Implementation Guide
An XCCDF Benchmark
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File Metadata
39 rules organized in 39 groups
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #32
PP-MDF-333024
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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 perform each attempt, and the size of the password space. The longer the minimum length of the password, the larger the password space. Having a too-short minimum password length significantly reduces password strength, increasing the chance of password compromise and resulting in device and data compromise. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #1
PP-MDF-333025
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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
Google Android 15 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
Google Android 15 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-333050
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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-333060
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to enforce an application installation policy by specifying an application allow list that restricts applications by the following characteristics: [selection: list of digital signatures, cryptographic hash values, names, application version].
Medium Severity
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. 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. The application allow list, 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
PP-MDF-333070
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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; - Voice assistant application if available when MD is locked; - Voice dialing application if available when MD is locked; - Allows synchronization of data or applications between devices associated with user; - Payment processing; - Allows unencrypted (or encrypted but not FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated) data sharing with other MDs or printers; and - Backs up its own data to a remote system.
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
Google Android 15 allow list must be configured to not include artificial intelligence (AI) applications that process device data in the cloud, including Google Gemini.
Medium Severity
Sensitive DOD data could be exposed when an AI app processes device data in the cloud. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
PP-MDF-333080
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-333110
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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 nonpassword authentication mechanisms, users are forced to use passcodes that meet DOD passcode requirements. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #22, FIA_UAU.5.1
PP-MDF-333130
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #26
PP-MDF-333160
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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-333170
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #37
PP-MDF-333230
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #39
PP-MDF-333240
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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-333250
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #40
PP-MDF-333260
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to enable authentication of personal hotspot connections to the device using a preshared key.
Medium Severity
If no authentication is required to establish personal hotspot connections (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), an adversary may be able to use that device to perform attacks on other devices or networks without detection. A sophisticated adversary may also be able to exploit unknown system vulnerabilities to access information and computing resources on the device. Requiring authentication to establish personal hotspot connections mitigates this risk. Application note: If hotspot functionality is permitted, it must be authenticated via a preshared key. There is no requirement to enable hotspot functionality, and it is recommended this functionality be disabled by default. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #41
PP-MDF-333280
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to disable exceptions to the access control policy that prevent [selection: application processes, groups of application processes] from accessing [selection: all, private] data stored by other [selection: application processes, groups of application processes].
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 DOD sensitive information. To mitigate this risk, there are data sharing restrictions, primarily from sharing data from personal (unmanaged) apps and work (managed) apps. 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 and 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
Google Android 15 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-333320
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to disable all Bluetooth profiles except for HSP (Headset Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile), SPP (Serial Port Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), and PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile).
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. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/BLUETOOTH BT-8
PP-MDF-333330
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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 of the DOD mobile device. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/WLAN
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: NA
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to disable Wi-Fi Sharing.
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. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 / WLAN #3
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to enforce a password for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hotspot, if approved for use by the authorizing official (AO). If not approved for use, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hotspot must be disabled.
Medium Severity
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hotspot use may increase the risk for exposing sensitive DOD data for some use cases, therefore it should be disabled unless approved by the AO. When a DOD mobile phone is used as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hotspot, a hotspot password must be enabled, otherwise unauthorized devices could connect to the DOD hotspot which may increase the risk of exposure of sensitive DOD data and/or a performance degradation of the DOD mobile phone. SFRID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 / WLAN #3
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #11
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
The Google Android 15 work profile must be configured to prevent users from adding personal email accounts to the work email app.
Medium Severity
If the user is able to add a personal email account (POP3, IMAP, EAS) to the work email app, it could be used to forward sensitive DOD data to unauthorized recipients. Restricting email account addition to the administrator or restricting email account addition to allow listed accounts mitigates this vulnerability. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
The Google Android 15 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 15 by Google. Preinstalled application: Additional noncore applications included in the Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be provisioned as a fully managed device and configured to create a work profile.
Medium Severity
The Android Enterprise work profile is the designated application group for the COPE use case. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
The Google Android 15 work profile must be configured to disable automatic completion of workspace internet browser text input.
Medium Severity
The autofill functionality in the web browser allows the user to complete a form that contains sensitive information, such as personally identifiable information (PII), without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of autofill functionality, an adversary who learns a user's Android 15 device password, 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
The Google Android 15 work profile must be configured to disable the autofill services.
Medium Severity
The autofill services allow the user to complete text inputs that could contain sensitive information, such as personally identifiable information (PII), without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of autofill services, an adversary who learns a user's Android 15 device password, or who otherwise is able to unlock the device, may be able to further breach other systems by relying on the autofill services to provide information unknown to the adversary. By disabling the autofill services, the risk of an adversary gaining further information about the device's user or compromising other systems is significantly mitigated. Examples of apps that offer autofill services include Samsung Pass, Google, Dashlane, LastPass, and 1Password. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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 15 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 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Android 15 devices must have the latest available Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Android 15 devices must be configured to disable the use of third-party keyboards.
Low Severity
Many third-party keyboard applications are known to contain malware. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Android 15 devices must be configured to enable Common Criteria (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. SFRID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #24
PP-MDF-333350
1 Rule
The Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 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. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Google Android 15 must be configured to disable "Private Space" use.
High Severity
Private Space is an Android feature that provides a separate encrypted container on the mobile device. Apps in Private Space show up in a separate container in the launcher and are hidden from the "Recents" view, notifications, settings, and other apps when the Private Space is locked. In addition, MDM server allow list or blocklist cannot control the installation of apps into Private Space. Malware and other unauthorized apps could be installed on a DOD mobile device, which could lead to the compromise of DOD sensitive information or to an attack on the DOD network. SFRID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47