The macOS system must be configured with a firmware password to prevent access to single user mode and booting from alternative media.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>Single user mode and the boot picker, as well as numerous other tools, are available on macOS through booting while holding the "Option" key down. Setting a firmware password restricts access to these tools.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-257232r905329_rule
- Severity
- Medium
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
Configure the macOS system with a firmware password with the following command:
/usr/bin/sudo /usr/sbin/firmwarepasswd -setpasswd
Note: If firmware password or passcode is forgotten, the only way to reset the forgotten password is through a machine-specific binary generated and provided by Apple. Users must schedule a support call and provide proof of purchase before the firmware binary will be generated.