← Back to PostgreSQL 9.x Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-214119

CAT I (High)

PostgreSQL must implement NIST FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 validated cryptographic modules to protect unclassified information requiring confidentiality and cryptographic protection, in accordance with the data owners requirements.

Rule ID

SV-214119r961857_rule

STIG

PostgreSQL 9.x Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R5

CCIs

CCI-002450

Discussion

Use of weak or untested encryption algorithms undermines the purposes of utilizing encryption to protect data. The application must implement cryptographic modules adhering to the higher standards approved by the federal government since this provides assurance they have been tested and validated. It is the responsibility of the data owner to assess the cryptography requirements in light of applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, and standards. For detailed information, refer to NIST FIPS Publication 140-3, Security Requirements For Cryptographic Modules. Note that the product's cryptographic modules must be validated and certified by NIST as FIPS-compliant.

Check Content

First, as the system administrator, run the following to see if FIPS is enabled:

$ cat /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled

If fips_enabled is not 1, this is a finding.

Fix Text

If fips_enabled = 0, configure OpenSSL to be FIPS compliant.

Configure per operating system documentation: 
RedHat: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/security_guide/chap-federal_standards_and_regulations
Ubuntu: https://security-certs.docs.ubuntu.com/en/fips

For information on configuring PostgreSQL to use SSL, see supplementary content APPENDIX-G.