STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 3 Benchmark Date: 13 May 2026:

Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (Cloud Photo Library).

DISA Rule

SV-278721r1151148_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278721

Group Title

PP-MDF-333250

Rule Version

AIOS-26-003450

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Install a configuration profile to disable Cloud Photo Library. This is a supervised-only control.

Configuration Profile Key: allowCloudPhotoLibrary

Check Contents

Note: This requirement is not applicable if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store for downloading unmanaged (personal) apps and syncing personal data on the device with personal cloud data storage accounts. The site must have an AO-signed document showing the AO has assumed the risk for users' full access to the Apple App Store.

This is a supervised-only control. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is not supervised by the MDM, this control is automatically a finding.

If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is supervised by the MDM, review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is disabled.

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 "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is unchecked.

Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowCloudPhotoLibrary</key><false/>" 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 Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool containing the restrictions policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "iCloud Photos not allowed" is listed.

If "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowCloudPhotoLibrary</key> <true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "iCloud Photos not allowed", this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278721

Documentable

False

Rule Version

AIOS-26-003450

Severity Override Guidance

Note: This requirement is not applicable if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store for downloading unmanaged (personal) apps and syncing personal data on the device with personal cloud data storage accounts. The site must have an AO-signed document showing the AO has assumed the risk for users' full access to the Apple App Store.

This is a supervised-only control. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is not supervised by the MDM, this control is automatically a finding.

If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is supervised by the MDM, review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is disabled.

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 "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is unchecked.

Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowCloudPhotoLibrary</key><false/>" 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 Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool containing the restrictions policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "iCloud Photos not allowed" is listed.

If "Allow Cloud Photo Library" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowCloudPhotoLibrary</key> <true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "iCloud Photos not allowed", this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5723