STIGQter: STIG Summary: VMware vSphere 8.0 ESXi Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 4 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

The ESXi host must display the Standard Mandatory DOD Notice and Consent Banner before granting access to the system via the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI).

DISA Rule

SV-258729r958390_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-258729

Group Title

SRG-OS-000023-VMM-000060

Rule Version

ESXI-80-000006

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000048 - Display an organization-defined system use notification message or banner to users before granting access to the system that provides privacy and security notices consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• CCI-000050 - Retain the notification message or banner on the screen until users acknowledge the usage conditions and take explicit actions to log on to or further access the system.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters.

Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Advanced System Settings.

Click "Edit". Select the "Annotations.WelcomeMessage" value and set it to the following. Click "OK".

{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:black}{color:yellow}{hostname} , {ip}{/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:black}{color:yellow}{esxproduct} {esxversion}{/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:black}{color:yellow}{memory} RAM{/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:black}{color:white} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only. By {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions: {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} - The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct (PM), law {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} enforcement (LE), and counterintelligence (CI) investigations. {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} - At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS. {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} - Communications using, or data stored on, this IS are not private, are subject to routine monitoring, {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} interception, and search, and may be disclosed or used for any USG-authorized purpose. {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} - This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} for your personal benefit or privacy. {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} - Notwithstanding the above, using this IS does not constitute consent to PM, LE or CI investigative searching {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} or monitoring of the content of privileged communications, or work product, related to personal representation {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} or services by attorneys, psychotherapists, or clergy, and their assistants. Such communications and work {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} product are private and confidential. See User Agreement for details. {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:yellow}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{align:left}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:white} <F2> Accept Conditions and Customize System / View Logs{/align}{align:right}<F12> Accept Conditions and Shut Down/Restart {bgcolor:black} {/color}{/color}{/bgcolor}{/align}
{bgcolor:black} {/color}{bgcolor:dark-grey}{color:black} {/color}{/bgcolor}

or

From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host, run the following command:

Get-VMHost | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name Annotations.WelcomeMessage | Set-AdvancedSetting -Value "<Banner text above>"

Check Contents

From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters.

Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Advanced System Settings.

Select the "Annotations.WelcomeMessage" value and verify it contains the standard mandatory DOD notice and consent banner.

or

From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host, run the following command:

Get-VMHost | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name Annotations.WelcomeMessage

If the "Annotations.WelcomeMessage" setting does not contain the standard mandatory DOD notice and consent banner, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-258729

Documentable

False

Rule Version

ESXI-80-000006

Severity Override Guidance

From the vSphere Client, go to Hosts and Clusters.

Select the ESXi Host >> Configure >> System >> Advanced System Settings.

Select the "Annotations.WelcomeMessage" value and verify it contains the standard mandatory DOD notice and consent banner.

or

From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host, run the following command:

Get-VMHost | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name Annotations.WelcomeMessage

If the "Annotations.WelcomeMessage" setting does not contain the standard mandatory DOD notice and consent banner, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5562