UCF STIG Viewer Logo

Apple iOS must be configured to disable Touch ID.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-71805 AIOS-02-080013 SV-86429r1_rule Medium
Description
Many mobile devices now permit a user to unlock the user's device by presenting a fingerprint to an embedded fingerprint reader. Other biometrics and token-based systems are feasible as well. None of these alternatives are currently evaluated in a Common Criteria evaluation of a mobile device against the Security Target based on the Mobile Device Fundamentals Protection Profile. Many have known vulnerabilities. Until there are DoD-approved assurance activities to evaluate the efficacy of these alternatives, they are significant potential vulnerabilities to DoD information and information systems. Disabling them mitigates the risk of their use. Touch ID is a fingerprint reader that has been installed on some models of Apple iOS devices. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #45b
STIG Date
Apple iOS 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2016-10-25

Details

Check Text ( C-72065r1_chk )
If the Authorizing Official (AO) has approved the use of Touch ID, this requirement is not applicable.

Review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Touch ID to unlock device" is disabled.

This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS management tool and the Apple iOS device.

Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review.

In the iOS management tool, verify "Allow Touch ID to unlock device" is unchecked.

Alternatively, verify the text "allowFingerprintForUnlock" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file).

On the iOS device:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap "General".
3. Tap "Profiles" or "Profiles & Device Management" or "Device Management".
4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the restrictions policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "Touch ID unlock not allowed" is listed.

If "Allow Touch ID to unlock device" is checked in the iOS management tool, "allowFingerprintForUnlock" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the Apple iOS device from the Apple iOS management tool does not list "Touch ID unlock not allowed", this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-78157r1_fix)
Install a configuration profile to disable Touch ID for device unlock.