STIGQter: STIG Summary: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 8 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

The SUSE operating system SSH server must be configured to use only Message Authentication Codes (MACs) employing FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic hash algorithms to protect the confidentiality of SSH server connections.

DISA Rule

SV-234826r1208926_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-234826

Group Title

SRG-OS-000125-GPOS-00065

Rule Version

SLES-15-010270

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

• CCI-000877 - Employ strong authentication in the establishment of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic sessions.
• CCI-001453 - Implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of remote access sessions.
• CCI-003123 - Implement organization-defined cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic communications.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure the SUSE operating system SSH server to use only MACs employing FIPS 140-3 approved algorithms.

Reinstall crypto-policies with the following command:

> sudo zypper install --force crypto-policies

Set the crypto-policy to FIPS with the following command:

> sudo update-crypto-policies --set FIPS
Setting system policy to FIPS

Note: Systemwide crypto policies are applied on application startup. It is recommended to restart the system for the change of policies to fully take place.

Check Contents

Verify the SUSE operating system SSH server is configured to use only MACs employing FIPS 140-3-approved algorithms.

To verify the MACs in the systemwide SSH configuration file, use the following command:

> sudo grep -i MACs /etc/crypto-policies/back-ends/opensshserver.config
MACs hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256,hmac-sha2-512

If the MACs entries in the "opensshserver.config" file have any hashes other than "hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256,hmac-sha2-512", or they are missing or commented out, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-234826

Documentable

False

Rule Version

SLES-15-010270

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the SUSE operating system SSH server is configured to use only MACs employing FIPS 140-3-approved algorithms.

To verify the MACs in the systemwide SSH configuration file, use the following command:

> sudo grep -i MACs /etc/crypto-policies/back-ends/opensshserver.config
MACs hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256,hmac-sha2-512

If the MACs entries in the "opensshserver.config" file have any hashes other than "hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com,hmac-sha2-256,hmac-sha2-512", or they are missing or commented out, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5274