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XCCDF
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 BYOAD Security Technical Implementation Guide
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 BYOAD Security Technical Implementation Guide
An XCCDF Benchmark
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File Metadata
31 rules organized in 31 groups
PP-MDF-331290
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-331290
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
PP-MDF-333024
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333025
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333026
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333030
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333040
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333050
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333070
1 Rule
The Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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; and - allows unencrypted (or encrypted but not FIPS 140-2/FIPS 140-3 validated) data sharing with other MDs or printers.
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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #8b
PP-MDF-333080
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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 MOS to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-333080
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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 MOS to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #18
PP-MDF-333160
1 Rule
The Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 device User Agreement must include the DOD advisory warning message.
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 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 or in the User Agreement. 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-333240
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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-333280
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-333300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must be configured to wipe enterprise data and apps 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. Satisfies: PP-MDF-333300, PP-MDF-333310 SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.2.1
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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 v2.0 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. SFR ID: FIA_UAU_EXT.1.1
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must implement the management setting: Encrypt iTunes backups/Encrypt local backup.
Medium Severity
When syncing an iPhone and iPad to a computer running iTunes, iTunes will prompt the user to back up the iPhone and iPad. If the performed backup is 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. iTunes 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must implement the management setting: require the user to enter a password when connecting to an AirPlay-enabled device for the first time.
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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #40
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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: 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 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. SFR ID: NA
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47a
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #47
PP-MDF-993300
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must not allow DOD applications to access non-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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
PP-MDF-331090
1 Rule
Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must allow the administrator (MDM) to perform the following management function: enable/disable VPN protection across the device.
Medium Severity
The system administrator must 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. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #3