5.10 Ensure DCUI has a trusted users list for lockdown mode

Information

Lockdown mode disables direct host access, requiring admins to manage hosts from vCenter. Set DCUI.Access to a list of highly trusted users who would be able to override lockdown mode and access the DCUI in the event an ESXi host became isolated from vCenter.

NOTE: If you disable lockdown mode using the DCUI, all users with the DCUI.Access privilege will be granted the Administrator role on the host.

Rationale:

The list prevents all admins from becoming locked out and no longer being able to manage the host.

Solution

To set a trusted users list for DCUI, perform the following from the vSphere web client:

Select the host.

Select 'Configure' -> 'System' -> 'Advanced System Settings'.

Type DCUI.Access in the filter.

Click on the attribute to highlight it.

Click edit.

Set the DCUI.Access attribute to a comma-separated list of the users who are allowed to override lockdown mode.

Click 'OK'.

References:

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/6.7/com.vmware.vsphere.security.doc/GUID-6779F098-48FE-4E22-B116-A8353D19FF56.html

Notes:

Note: By default only the 'root' user is a member of the DCUI.Access list. It is not recommended to remove root from the DCUI.Access list, as this will revoke the root user's admin privileges on the host.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2816

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL

References: 800-53|AC-17(4), CSCv7|16.6

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 5f63f57a2df1e86d7839536db0aeac4d4866947822f02d4a73e3c82d02a56c60