Vulnerability Discussion
Using an authentication device, such as a CAC or token that is separate from the information system, ensures that even if the information system is compromised, that compromise will not affect credentials stored on the authentication device.
Multifactor solutions that require devices separate from information systems gaining access include, for example, hardware tokens providing time-based or challenge-response authenticators and smart cards such as the U.S. Government Personal Identity Verification card and the DOD Common Access Card.
A privileged account is defined as an information system account with authorizations of a privileged user.
Remote access is access to DOD nonpublic information systems by an authorized user (or an information system) communicating through an external, nonorganization-controlled network. Remote access methods include, for example, dial-up, broadband, and wireless.
This requirement only applies to components where this is specific to the function of the device or has the concept of an organizational user (e.g., VPN, proxy capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (management).
This requires further clarification from NIST.
Satisfies: SRG-OS-000375-GPOS-00160, SRG-OS-000105-GPOS-00052, SRG-OS-000705-GPOS-00150
Check
Note: If the System Administrator demonstrates the use of an approved alternate multifactor authentication method, this requirement is Not Applicable.
Verify that AlmaLinux OS 9 has smart cards are enabled in System Security Services Daemon (SSSD), run the following command:
$ grep pam_cert_auth /etc/sssd/sssd.conf /etc/sssd/conf.d/*.conf
/etc/sssd/conf.d/certificate_verification.conf:pam_cert_auth = True
If "pam_cert_auth" is not set to "True", the line is commented out, or the line is missing, this is a finding.
Fix
Edit the file "/etc/sssd/sssd.conf" or a "*.conf" file within the "/etc/sssd/conf.d/" directory and add or edit the following line within the [pam] section:
pam_cert_auth = True