6.2 Turn on filename extensions

Information

A filename extension is a suffix added to a base filename that indicates the base filename's file format. Visible filename extensions allows the user to identify the file type and the application it is associated with which leads to quick identification of misrepresented malicious files.

Solution

Perform the following to implement the prescribed state: Select Finder Select Preferences Check Show all filename extensions Alternatively, use the following command: defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true Impact: The user of the system can open files of unknown or unexpected filetypes if the extension is not visible.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/299

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-2(5)

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: a3c6c765fdd8731bc4ac88268b9443d1a7d708e52c9ae760b04ba05b6e8979f0