Host must deny shell access for the dcui account

MediumLevel 1Automatedvmware

Description

The dcui account, utilized for process isolation for the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI), possesses shell access which, when deactivated, minimizes the attack surface. This action is a proactive measure to enhance system security. The audit runs esxcli system account list and requires Shell Access false for dcui. Runs in the ESXi Shell (busybox sh) as root.

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

out=$(esxcli system account list 2>/dev/null) || exit 1
v=$(printf '%s\n' "$out" | awk '$1=="dcui" {print tolower($NF); exit}')
case "$v" in false) echo compliant ;; '') echo 'dcui not listed (or no Shell Access column on this build)'; exit 1 ;; *) echo 'dcui shell access: '"$v" ;; esac

Expected output: compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Configure the dcui service account to have no shell access using the supported ESXi account-management mechanism for the installed build, and verify that the account cannot establish an interactive shell. Note: It is advised not to manually edit /etc/passwd unless directed by Broadcom support.

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: vmwareesximanagement
Reference: CIS VMware ESXi 9.0 Benchmark v1.0.0 - 3.22 Host must deny shell access for the dcui account

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target vmware