5.3 (L1) Host must restrict use of the dvFilter network API

Information

The Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress parameter controls the use of the dvFilter network API, allowing network information to be sent to a specified IP address. If enabled with a compromised IP address, unauthorized network access to other virtual machines on the host could occur. It's essential to keep this parameter unconfigured, unless required by a product like VMware NSX. The parameter governing this behavior is Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress with a recommended setting of "".

Limiting the use of the dvFilter network API by keeping the Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress parameter unconfigured helps in reducing potential security risks. This restriction aids in maintaining secure network communication and minimizes the attack surface.

Solution

To remove the configuration for the dvfilter network API, perform the following from the vSphere web client:

- From the vSphere web client, select the host and click Configure then expand System
- Click on Advanced System Settings then Edit
- Search for Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress in the filter.
- Set Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress has an empty value.
- If an appliance is being used, make sure the value of this parameter is set to the proper IP address.
- Enter the proper IP address.
- Click OK

To implement the recommended configuration state, run the following PowerCLI command:

# Set Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress to null on all hosts
Get-VMHost HOST1 | Foreach { Set-AdvancedSetting -VMHost $_ -Name Net.DVFilterBindIpAddress -IPValue "" }

Impact:

No functional impact is identified when restricting the dvFilter network API. However, incorrect configuration can lead to insecure network communication, posing a risk to the network security of virtual machines on the host.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/15784

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT, SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|CM-6, 800-53|CM-7, 800-53|SC-23, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: VMware

Control ID: 990caed9ccf9e15c02f8f17ea96893b253281bd2d8effadcfd06183b5a3a3db0