UCF STIG Viewer Logo

Apple iOS must not allow backup to locally connected systems.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-71881 AIOS-11-080201 SV-86505r1_rule Medium
Description
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
STIG Date
Apple iOS 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2017-02-14

Details

Check Text ( C-72113r1_chk )
Review configuration settings to confirm backup in management apps is disabled and iTunes Backup is encrypted.

Note: iTunes Backup is implemented by the configuration policy rule "Force encrypted backups", which is included in AIOS-02-080017, and therefore, not included in the procedure below.

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 Apple iOS management tool, verify backing up app data is disabled.

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

On the Apple 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 Apple iOS management tool containing the restrictions policy.
5. Tap "Apps".
6. Tap managed app.
7. Verify "App data will not be backed up" is listed.
Note: Steps 6 and 7 must be performed for each managed app.

If backing up app data is not disabled in the Apple iOS management tool or "app data will not be backed up" is not listed for each managed app on the Apple iOS device, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-78233r1_fix)
Install a configuration profile to disable backup of managed apps.