The vCenter Server must disable CDP/LLDP on distributed switches.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-258964 | VCSA-80-000299 | SV-258964r961863_rule | CCI-000366 | low |
| Description | ||||
| The vSphere Distributed Virtual Switch can participate in Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) or Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), as a listener, advertiser, or both. The information is sensitive, including IP addresses, system names, software versions, and more. It can be used by an adversary to gain a better understanding of your environment, and to impersonate devices. It is also transmitted unencrypted on the network, and as such the recommendation is to disable it. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-06-09 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-258964r961863_chk)
If distributed switches are not used, this is not applicable.
From the vSphere Client, go to "Networking".
Select a distributed switch >> Configure >> Settings >> Properties.
Review the "Discovery Protocol" configuration.
or
From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the vCenter server, run the following command:
Get-VDSwitch | Select Name,LinkDiscoveryProtocolOperation
If any distributed switch does not have "Discovery Protocols" disabled, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-62613r934549_fix)
From the vSphere Client, go to "Networking".
Select a distributed switch >> Configure >> Settings >> Properties.
Click "Edit".
Select the advanced tab and update the "Type" under "Discovery Protocol" to disabled and click "OK".
or
From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the vCenter server, run the following command:
Get-VDSwitch -Name "DSwitch" | Set-VDSwitch -LinkDiscoveryProtocolOperation "Disabled"