Virtual machines (VMs) must be configured to lock when the last console connection is closed.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-258714VMCH-80-000201SV-258714r933203_ruleCCI-000366medium
Description
When accessing the VM console, the guest operating system must be locked when the last console user disconnects, limiting the possibility of session hijacking. This setting only applies to Windows-based VMs with VMware tools installed.
STIGDate
VMware vSphere 8.0 Virtual Machine Security Technical Implementation Guide2023-10-11

Details

Check Text (C-258714r933203_chk)

For each virtual machine do the following: From the vSphere Client, right-click the Virtual Machine and go to Edit Settings >> VM Options >> VMware Remote Console Options. Verify the option "Lock the guest operating system when the last remote user disconnects" is checked. or From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command: Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name tools.guest.desktop.autolock If the virtual machine advanced setting "tools.guest.desktop.autolock" is not set to "true", this is a finding. If the virtual machine advanced setting "tools.guest.desktop.autolock" does not exist, this is not a finding.

Fix Text (F-62363r933202_fix)

For each virtual machine do the following: From the vSphere Client, right-click the Virtual Machine and go to Edit Settings >> VM Options >> VMware Remote Console Options. Check the box next to "Lock the guest operating system when the last remote user disconnects". Click "OK". or From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command: Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name tools.guest.desktop.autolock | Set-AdvancedSetting -Value true