Host hardware must enable Intel TXT, if available

MediumLevel 1Manual reviewvmware

Description

Intel Xeon Scalable Processor platforms have Trusted Execution Technology, or TXT, that help harden systems against malware, rootkits, BIOS & firmware attacks, and more. When enabled, ESXi will take advantage of security benefits offered by this technology. Manual review: the check needs vCenter/PowerCLI, firmware or guest access, or an organization-specific value.

How it is checked

Audit method: Manual review

This recommendation cannot be checked automatically. A scan lists it with these instructions when you pass --include-manual.

1. Execute: esxcli hardware trustedboot get 2. For hardware that supports Intel Trusted Execution Technology, verify: Drtm Enabled: true Tpm Present: true Note: If Drtm Enabled is false, determine whether Intel TXT is supported by the host hardware and firmware. If TXT is supported but not enabled, the host is not compliant.

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Place the ESXi host into maintenance mode and reboot the physical server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI configuration and enable TPM 2.0 and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), where supported. Save the firmware configuration and perform a full reboot.

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: vmwareesxihardware
Reference: CIS VMware ESXi 9.0 Benchmark v1.0.0 - 1.3 Host hardware must enable Intel TXT, if available