Apple visionOS 26 Security Technical Implementation Guide

This Security Technical Implementation Guide is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DOD) information systems. The requirements are derived from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 and related documents. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via email to the following address: disa.stig_spt@mail.mil.

Date: 2026-03-10Version: 1
Description
V-282793highApple visionOS 26 must be configured to enforce a passcode reuse prohibition of at least two generations.visionOS-iPadOS 17 and later versions include a feature that allows the previous passcode to be valid for 72 hours after a passcode change. If the previous passcode has been compromised and the attacker has access to it and the Apple device, enterprise data and the enterprise network can be compromised. Currently there is no MDM control to force the old passcode to expire immediately after passcode change. The previous passcode will expire immediately after a passcode change if the MDM password history control is implemented. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282801highApple visionOS 26 must require a valid password be successfully entered before the mobile device data is unencrypted.Passwords provide a form of access control that prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing computing resources and sensitive data. Passwords may also be a source of entropy for generation of key encryption or data encryption keys. If a password is not required to access data, this data is accessible to any adversary who obtains physical possession of the device. Requiring that a password be successfully entered before the mobile device data is unencrypted mitigates this risk. Note: MDF PP requires a Password Authentication Factor and requires management of its length and complexity. It leaves open whether the existence of a password is subject to management. This requirement addresses the configuration to require a password, which is critical to the cybersecurity posture of the device. SFR ID: FIA_UAU_EXT.1.1
V-282805highVision Pro must have the latest available visionOS operating system installed.Required security features are not available in earlier OS versions. In addition, earlier versions may have known vulnerabilities. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282784mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud).If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
V-282785mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud document and data synchronization).If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
V-282786mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud Keychain).If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
V-282787mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (Cloud Photo Library).If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
V-282788mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (managed applications data stored in iCloud).If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #40
V-282789mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to enforce a minimum password length of six characters.Password strength is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute-force attacks. The ability to crack a password is a function of how many attempts an adversary is permitted, how quickly an adversary can do each attempt, and the size of the password space. The longer the minimum length of the password is, the larger the password space. Having a too-short minimum password length significantly reduces password strength, increasing the chance of password compromise and resulting device and data compromise. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #1
V-282790mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to not allow passwords that include more than four repeating or sequential characters.Password strength is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute-force attacks. Passwords that contain repeating or sequential characters are significantly easier to guess than those that do not contain repeating or sequential characters. Therefore, disallowing repeating or sequential characters increases password strength and decreases risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #1
V-282791mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to lock the display after 15 minutes (or less) of inactivity.The screen lock timeout must be set to a value that helps protect the device from unauthorized access. Having a too-long timeout would increase the window of opportunity for adversaries who gain physical access to the mobile device through loss, theft, etc. Such devices are much more likely to be in an unlocked state when acquired by an adversary, thus granting immediate access to the data on the mobile device. The maximum timeout period of 15 minutes has been selected to balance functionality and security; shorter timeout periods may be appropriate depending on the risks posed to the mobile device. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #2
V-282792mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to not allow more than 10 consecutive failed authentication attempts.The more attempts an adversary has to guess a password, the more likely the adversary will enter the correct password and gain access to resources on the device. Setting a limit on the number of attempts mitigates this risk. Setting the limit at 10 or fewer gives authorized users the ability to make a few mistakes when entering the password but still provides adequate protection against dictionary or brute-force attacks on the password. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #2, FIA_AFL_EXT.1.5
V-282794mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to enforce an application installation policy by specifying one or more authorized application repositories, including [selection: DOD-approved commercial app repository, MDM server, mobile application store].Forcing all applications to be installed from authorized application repositories can prevent unauthorized and malicious applications from being installed and executed on mobile devices. Allowing such installations and executions could cause a compromise of DOD data accessible by these unauthorized/malicious applications. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #8
V-282795mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to not display notifications when the device is locked.Many mobile devices display notifications on the lock screen so users can obtain relevant information in a timely manner without having to frequently unlock the phone to determine if there are new notifications. However, in many cases, these notifications can contain sensitive information. When they are available on the lock screen, an adversary can see them merely by being in close physical proximity to the device. Configuring the mobile operating system to not send notifications to the lock screen mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #18
V-282797mediumApple visionOS 26 must not allow non-DOD applications to access DOD data.App data sharing gives apps the ability to access the data of other apps for enhanced user functionality. However, sharing also poses a significant risk that unauthorized users or apps will obtain access to sensitive DOD information. Data sharing restrictions mitigate this risk. If a user is allowed to make exceptions to the data sharing restriction policy, the user could enable unauthorized sharing of data, leaving it vulnerable to breach. Limiting the granting of exceptions to either the administrator or common application developer mitigates this risk. Copy/paste of data between applications in different application processes or groups of application processes is considered an exception to the access control policy; therefore, the administrator must be able to enable/disable the feature. Other exceptions include allowing any data or application sharing between process groups. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
V-282798mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to [selection: wipe protected data, wipe sensitive data] upon unenrollment from MDM.When a mobile device is no longer going to be managed by MDM technologies, its protected/sensitive data must be sanitized because it will no longer be protected by the MDM software, putting it at much greater risk of unauthorized access and disclosure. At least one of the two options must be selected. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.2.1
V-282799mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to [selection: remove Enterprise applications, remove all noncore applications (any nonfactory-installed application)] upon unenrollment from MDM.When a mobile device is no longer going to be managed by MDM technologies, its protected/sensitive data must be sanitized because it will no longer be protected by the MDM software, putting it at much greater risk of unauthorized access and disclosure. At least one of the two options must be selected. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.2.1
V-282800mediumApple visionOS 26 must be configured to disable ad hoc wireless client-to-client connection capability.Ad hoc wireless client-to-client connections allow mobile devices to communicate with each other directly, circumventing network security policies and making the traffic invisible. This could allow the exposure of sensitive DOD data and increase the risk of downloading and installing malware on the DOD mobile device. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1/WLAN
V-282804mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: disable Allow MailDrop.MailDrop allows users to send large attachments (up to 5 GB) via iCloud. Storing data with a non-DOD cloud provider may leave the data vulnerable to breach. Disabling non-DOD cloud services mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282806mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: use SSL for Exchange ActiveSync.Exchange email messages are a form of data in transit and thus are vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), also referred to as Transport Layer Security (TLS), provides encryption and authentication services that mitigate the risk of breach. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282807mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: not allow messages in an ActiveSync Exchange account to be forwarded or moved to other accounts in the Apple visionOS 26 Mail app.The Apple visionOS Mail app can be configured to support multiple email accounts concurrently. These email accounts are likely to involve content of varying degrees of sensitivity (e.g., both personal and enterprise messages). To prevent the unauthorized and undetected forwarding or moving of messages from one account to another, Mail ActiveSync Exchange accounts can be configured to block such behavior. While users may still send a message from the Exchange account to another account, these transactions must involve an Exchange server, enabling audit records of the transaction, filtering of mail content, and subsequent forensic analysis. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282808mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: treat AirDrop as an unmanaged destination.AirDrop is a way to send contact information or photos to other users with AirDrop enabled. This feature enables a possible attack vector for adversaries to exploit. Once the attacker has gained access to the information broadcast by this feature, the attacker may distribute this sensitive information very quickly and without DOD's control or awareness. By disabling this feature, the risk of mass data exfiltration will be mitigated. Note: If the site uses Apple's optional Automatic Device Enrollment, this control is available as a supervised MDM control. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282809mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: not share location data through iCloud.Sharing of location data is an operational security risk because it potentially allows an adversary to determine a DOD user's location, movements, and patterns in those movements over time. An adversary could use this information to target the user or gather intelligence on the user's likely activities. Using commercial cloud services to store and handle location data could leave the data vulnerable to breach, particularly by sophisticated adversaries. Disabling the use of such services mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282810mediumApple visionOS 26 users must complete required training.The security posture on visionOS devices requires the device user to configure several required policy rules on their device. User-Based Enforcement (UBE) is required for these controls. In addition, if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store, users must receive training on risks. If a user is not aware of their responsibilities and does not comply with UBE requirements, the security posture of the visionOS mobile device and DOD sensitive data may become compromised. SFR ID: NA
V-282811mediumA managed photo app must be used to take and store work-related photos.The visionOS Photos app is unmanaged and may sync photos with a device or user's personal iCloud account. Therefore, work-related photos must not be taken via the visionOS camera app or stored in the Photos app. A managed photo app must be used to take and manage work-related photos. SFR ID: NA
V-282814mediumApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: disable AirDrop.AirDrop is a way to send contact information or photos to other users with this same feature enabled. This feature enables a possible attack vector for adversaries to exploit. Once the attacker has gained access to the information broadcast by this feature, the attacker may distribute this sensitive information very quickly and without DOD's control or awareness. By disabling this feature, the risk of mass data exfiltration will be mitigated. Note: If the site uses Apple's optional Automatic Device Enrollment, this control is available as a supervised MDM control. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282815mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable "Password AutoFill" in browsers and applications.The AutoFill functionality in browsers and applications allows the user to complete a form that contains sensitive information, such as Personally Identifiable Information, without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of the AutoFill functionality, an adversary who learns a user's Vision Pro passcode, or who otherwise is able to unlock the device, may be able to further breach other systems by relying on the AutoFill feature to provide information unknown to the adversary. Disabling the AutoFill functionality significantly mitigates the risk of an adversary gaining further information about the device's user or compromising other systems. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282816mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable password sharing.This control allows sharing passwords between Apple devices using AirDrop. This could lead to a compromise of the device password with an unauthorized person or device. DOD Apple device passwords must not be shared. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282817mediumThe Apple visionOS 26 must be supervised by the MDM.When visionOS is not supervised, the DOD mobile service provider cannot control when new visionOS updates are installed on site-managed devices. Most updates should be installed immediately to mitigate new security vulnerabilities, while some sites need to test each update prior to installation to ensure critical missions are not adversely impacted by the update. Several password and data protection controls can be implemented only when an Apple device is supervised. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282819mediumApple visionOS must implement the management setting: not allow a user to remove Apple visionOS configuration profiles that enforce DOD security requirements.Configuration profiles define security policies on Apple visionOS devices. If a user is able to remove a configuration profile, the user can then change the configuration that had been enforced by that policy. Relaxing security policies may introduce vulnerabilities the profiles had mitigated. Configuring a profile to never be removed mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282820mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable "Allow network drive access in Files access".Allowing network drive access by the Files app could lead to the introduction of malware or unauthorized software into the DOD IT infrastructure and compromise of sensitive DOD information and systems. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282821mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable connections to Siri servers for the purpose of dictation.If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. Dictation information could contain sensitive DOD information and therefore should not leave DOD control. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282822mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable copy/paste of data from managed to unmanaged applications.If a user is able to configure the security setting, the user could inadvertently or maliciously set it to a value that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282823mediumApple visionOS 26 must have DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates installed.DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates are used to verify the authenticity of PKI certificates of users and web services. If the user is allowed to remove root and intermediate certificates, the user could allow an adversary to falsely sign a certificate in such a way that it could not be detected. Restricting the ability to remove DOD root and intermediate PKI certificates to the administrator mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282824mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable ChatGPT connection for Apple Intelligence.The ChatGPT feature of Apple Intelligence allows DOD information to be downloaded from the DOD Vision Pro and processed by the ChatGPT application in the cloud. The ChatGPT feature of Apple Intelligence increases the risk of compromise of sensitive DOD information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282825mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable the download of visionOS beta updates.Beta operating system updates may contain features that could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD information or provide a vector for the attack on the DOD network. The current STIG will not normally provide controls to disable these unsecure features. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282827mediumApple visionOS 26 must disable the user's ability to wipe the device.This feature must be disabled to comply with DOD electronic records retention requirements for mobile devices. Otherwise, mobile device users could wipe the device, which would violate DOD policy. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282832mediumDOD Apple visionOS 26 devices must have a Mobile Threat Detection (MTD) app installed.DOD mobile devices are in constant risk of cyber threats. MTD apps mitigate these risks by providing real-time threat detection, malware prevention, and vulnerability analysis. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282783lowApple visionOS 26 must allow the administrator (MDM) to perform the following management function: enable/disable VPN protection across the device and [selection: on a per-app basis, on a per-group of applications processes basis].The system administrator must have the capability to configure VPN access to meet organization-specific policies based on mission needs. Otherwise, a user could inadvertently or maliciously set up a VPN and connect to a network that poses unacceptable risk to DOD information systems. An adversary could exploit vulnerabilities created by the weaker configuration to compromise DOD sensitive information. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #3
V-282796lowApple visionOS 26 must be configured to display the DOD advisory warning message at startup or each time the user unlocks the device.Before granting access to the system, the mobile operating system is required to display the DOD-approved system use notification message or banner that provides privacy and security notices consistent with applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance. Required banners help ensure that DOD can audit and monitor the activities of mobile device users without legal restriction. System use notification messages can be displayed when individuals first access or unlock the mobile device. The banner must be implemented as a "click-through" banner at device unlock (to the extent permitted by the operating system). A "click-through" banner prevents further activity on the information system unless and until the user executes a positive action to manifest agreement by clicking on a box indicating "OK". The approved DOD text must be used exactly as required in the Knowledge Service referenced in DODI 8500.01. For devices accommodating banners of 1300 characters, the banner text is: You are accessing a U.S. Government (USG) Information System (IS) that is provided for USG-authorized use only. By using this IS (which includes any device attached to this IS), you consent to the following conditions: -The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct (PM), law enforcement (LE), and counterintelligence (CI) investigations. -At any time, the USG may inspect and seize data stored on this IS. -Communications using, or data stored on, this IS are not private, are subject to routine monitoring, interception, and search, and may be disclosed or used for any USG-authorized purpose. -This IS includes security measures (e.g., authentication and access controls) to protect USG interests--not for your personal benefit or privacy. -Notwithstanding the above, using this IS does not constitute consent to PM, LE or CI investigative searching or monitoring of the content of privileged communications, or work product, related to personal representation or services by attorneys, psychotherapists, or clergy, and their assistants. Such communications and work product are private and confidential. See User Agreement for details. For devices with severe character limitations, the banner text is: I've read & consent to terms in IS user agreem't. The administrator must configure the banner text exactly as written without any changes. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #36
V-282802lowApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: not allow automatic completion of Safari browser passcodes.The AutoFill functionality in the Safari web browser allows the user to complete a form that contains sensitive information, such as Personally Identifiable Information, without previous knowledge of the information. By allowing the use of the AutoFill functionality, an adversary who learns a user's Vision Pro passcode, or who otherwise is able to unlock the device, may be able to further breach other systems by relying on the AutoFill feature to provide information unknown to the adversary. Disabling the AutoFill functionality significantly mitigates the risk of an adversary gaining additional information about the device's user or compromising other systems. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282803lowApple visionOS 26 must implement the management setting: not allow use of Handoff.Handoff permits a Vision Pro user to transition user activities from one device to another. Handoff passes sufficient information between the devices to describe the activity, but app data synchronization associated with the activity is handled though iCloud, which should be disabled on a compliant Vision Pro. If a user associates both DOD and personal devices to the same Apple ID, the user may improperly reveal information about the nature of the user's activities on an unprotected device. Disabling Handoff mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47
V-282812lowApple visionOS 26 must not allow managed apps to write contacts to unmanaged contacts accounts.Managed apps have been approved for the handling of DOD sensitive information. Unmanaged apps are provided for productivity and morale purposes but are not approved to handle DOD sensitive information. Examples of unmanaged apps include those for news services, travel guides, maps, and social networking. If a document were to be viewed in a managed app and the user had the ability to open this same document in an unmanaged app, this could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD data. In some cases, the unmanaged apps are connected to cloud backup or social networks that would permit dissemination of DOD sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Not allowing data to be opened within unmanaged apps mitigates the risk of compromising sensitive data. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
V-282813lowApple visionOS 26 must not allow unmanaged apps to read contacts from managed contacts accounts.Managed apps have been approved for the handling of DOD sensitive information. Unmanaged apps are provided for productivity and morale purposes but are not approved to handle DOD sensitive information. Examples of unmanaged apps include those for news services, travel guides, maps, and social networking. If a document were to be viewed in a managed app and the user had the ability to open this same document in an unmanaged app, this could lead to the compromise of sensitive DOD data. In some cases, the unmanaged apps are connected to cloud backup or social networks that would permit dissemination of DOD sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. Not allowing data to be opened within unmanaged apps mitigates the risk of compromising sensitive data. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #42, FDP_ACF_EXT.1.2
V-282818lowThe Apple visionOS must be configured to disable automatic transfer of diagnostic data to an external device other than an MDM service with which the device has enrolled.Many software systems automatically send diagnostic data to the manufacturer or a third-party. This data enables the developers to understand real-world field behavior and improve the product based on that information. It can also reveal information about what DOD users are doing with the systems and what causes them to fail. An adversary embedded within the software development team or elsewhere could use the information acquired to breach mobile operating system security. Disabling automatic transfer of such information mitigates this risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47a
V-282826lowApple Vision Pro (AVP) hardware must not be modified to use the Developer Strap unless the authorizing official (AO) approves use on a case-by-case basis.The Apple Developer Strap provides a USB connector on the AVP and is used to download content on the AVP from a Mac. The use of the Developer Strap without authorization is considered an unauthorized modification to the DOD-owned AVP. The Developer Strap is sold by Apple only to registered Apple developers but can also be bought online. Data cannot be downloaded from the AVP to a connected Mac and does not currently provide access to an AVP enterprise network to the connected Mac. Only unmanaged apps can be uploaded to an AVP via the Developer Strap. Unauthorized unmanaged apps can be downloaded to the AVP from the connected Mac. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282828lowApple visionOS 26 must disable the use of voice assistant (Siri) unless required to meet Section 508 compliance requirements.The use of voice assistants could expose sensitive DOD data to cloud-based servers during the processing of assistant requests. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282829lowApple visionOS 26 must disable the Apple Intelligence feature: Image Wand.The security of the Apple Intelligence system has not been vetted by the DOD, and the risk to DOD sensitive information is not known at this time. Therefore, Apple intelligence features must be disabled until more information is available. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282830lowApple visionOS 26 must disable the Apple Intelligence feature: Image Generation.The security of the Apple Intelligence system has not been vetted by the DOD, and the risk to DOD sensitive information is not known at this time. Therefore, Apple intelligence features must be disabled until more information is available. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282831lowApple visionOS 26 must disable the Apple Intelligence feature: generate new Genmoji.The security of the Apple Intelligence system has not been vetted by the DOD, and the risk to DOD sensitive information is not known at this time. Therefore, Apple intelligence features must be disabled until more information is available. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47
V-282833lowDOD Apple visionOS 26 devices must disable screenshots and screen recordings.A screenshot or screen recording of sensitive DOD information could lead to the inadvertent exposure of that information. SFR ID: FMT_MOF_EXT.1.2 #47