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← Back to VMware Horizon 7.13 Client Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-246876

CAT II (Medium)

The Horizon Client must not connect to servers without fully verifying the server certificate.

Rule ID

SV-246876r768588_rule

STIG

VMware Horizon 7.13 Client Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

Preventing the disclosure of transmitted information requires that the application server take measures to employ some form of cryptographic mechanism in order to protect the information during transmission. This is usually achieved through the use of Transport Layer Security (TLS). The Horizon Client connects to the Connection Server, UAG or other gateway via a TLS connection. This initial connection must be trusted, otherwise the sensitive information flowing over the tunnel could potentially be open to interception. The Horizon Client can be configured to ignore any certificate validation errors, warn or fail. By default, the Client will warn and let the user decide to proceed or not. This decision must not be left to the end user. In a properly configured, enterprise environment, there should be no trouble with the presented certificate. On the other hand, a TLS connection could be easily intercepted and middle-manned with the assumption that a user will just click away any errors.

Check Content

Ensure the vdm_agent*.admx templates are added. Open the "Group Policy Management" MMC snap-in. Open the site-specific GPO applying Horizon settings to the VDI desktops.

Navigate to Computer Configuration >> Policies >> Administrative Templates >> VMware Horizon Client Configuration >> Security Settings. Double-click "Certificate verification mode".

If "Certificate verification mode" is "Not Configured" or "Disabled", this is a finding.

If "Certificate verification mode" is not set to "Full Security", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Ensure the vdm_agent*.admx templates are added. Open the "Group Policy Management" MMC snap-in. Open the site-specific GPO applying Horizon settings to the VDI desktops.

Navigate to Computer Configuration >> Policies >> Administrative Templates >> VMware Horizon Client Configuration >> Security Settings. Double-click "Certificate verification mode".

Make sure the setting is "Enabled".

In the dropdown below "Certificate verification mode", select "Full Security". Click "OK".