STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Cisco NX OS Switch NDM Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 3 Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026:

The Cisco switch must be configured to use FIPS-validated Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) to protect the integrity of remote maintenance sessions.

DISA Rule

SV-220503r1026073_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-220503

Group Title

SRG-APP-000411-NDM-000330

Rule Version

CISC-ND-001200

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure SSH to use FIPS-validated HMAC for remote maintenance sessions as shown in the following example:

SSH Example

R1(config)#ssh macs hmac-sha2-256 hmac-sha2-512

Check Contents

Review the Cisco router configuration to verify it is compliant with this requirement as shown in the example below.

SSH Example

ssh macs hmac-sha2-256 hmac-sha2-512

NOTE: Using "fips mode enable" to enable all FIPS protocols disables TACACS+ and RADIUS, which is required for authentication server requirements. It is recommended to enable FIPS-validated protocols manually and keep FIPS mode disabled.

If the Cisco router is not configured to use FIPS-validated HMAC to protect the integrity of remote maintenance sessions, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-220503

Documentable

False

Rule Version

CISC-ND-001200

Severity Override Guidance

Review the Cisco router configuration to verify it is compliant with this requirement as shown in the example below.

SSH Example

ssh macs hmac-sha2-256 hmac-sha2-512

NOTE: Using "fips mode enable" to enable all FIPS protocols disables TACACS+ and RADIUS, which is required for authentication server requirements. It is recommended to enable FIPS-validated protocols manually and keep FIPS mode disabled.

If the Cisco router is not configured to use FIPS-validated HMAC to protect the integrity of remote maintenance sessions, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

4066