STIGQter: STIG Summary: Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 3 Benchmark Date: 13 May 2026:

Apple iOS/iPadOS 18 must implement the management setting: limit Ad Tracking.

DISA Rule

SV-268026r1031206_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-268026

Group Title

PP-MDF-993300

Rule Version

AIOS-18-010500

Severity

CAT III

CCI(s)

CCI-001199 - Protects the confidentiality and/or integrity of organization-defined information at rest.

Weight

Fix Recommendation

Install a configuration profile to limit advertisers' ability to track the user's web browsing preferences.

Check Contents

Review configuration settings to confirm "Force limited ad tracking" is checked.

This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and the iPhone and iPad.

Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review.

In the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, verify "Force limited ad tracking" is checked.

Alternatively, verify the text "<key>forceLimitAdTracking</key><true/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file).

On the iPhone and iPad:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap "General".
3. Tap "VPN & Device Management".
4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the management policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "Limit ad tracking enforced" or "Requests to track from apps not allowed" is present.

If "limited ad tracking enforced" is missing in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>forceLimitAdTracking</key><false/>" does not appear in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "Limit ad tracking enforced", this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-268026

Documentable

False

Rule Version

AIOS-18-010500

Severity Override Guidance

Check Content Reference

Target Key

5650