The ESXi host lockdown mode exception users list must be verified.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>While a host is in lockdown mode (strict or normal), only users on the "Exception Users" list are allowed access. These users do not lose their permissions when the host enters lockdown mode. The organization may want to add service accounts such as a backup agent to the Exception Users list. Verify the list of users exempted from losing permissions is legitimate and as needed per the environment. Adding unnecessary users to the exception list defeats the purpose of lockdown mode.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-258760r933341_rule
- Severity
- Medium
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters.
Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Security Profile.
Under "Lockdown Mode", click "Edit" and remove unnecessary users from the Exception Users list.