STIGQter: STIG Summary: Cloud Linux AlmaLinux OS 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

The AlmaLinux OS 9 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-269119r1184085_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-269119

Group Title

SRG-OS-000250-GPOS-00093

Rule Version

ALMA-09-003540

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

CCI-001453 - Implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of remote access sessions.

Weight

Fix Recommendation

Configure the AlmaLinux OS 9 SSH server to use only MACs employing FIPS 140-3-approved algorithms.

Reinstall crypto-policies with the following command:

$ sudo dnf -y reinstall crypto-policies

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

$ sudo update-crypto-policies --set FIPS

Setting system policy to FIPS

Check Contents

Verify the 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-269119

Documentable

False

Rule Version

ALMA-09-003540

Severity Override Guidance

Check Content Reference

Target Key

5664