The vCenter Server must enable FIPS-validated cryptography.

FIPS 140-2 is the current standard for validating that mechanisms used to access cryptographic modules use authentication that meets DoW requirements.

In vSphere 6.7 and later, ESXi and vCenter Server use FIPS-validated cryptography to protect management interfaces and the VMware Certificate Authority (VMCA).

vSphere 7.0 Update 2 and later adds additional FIPS-validated cryptography to vCenter Server Appliance. By default, this FIPS validation option is disabled and must be enabled.

Satisfies: SRG-APP-000172, SRG-APP-000179, SRG-APP-000224, SRG-APP-000231, SRG-APP-000412, SRG-APP-000514, SRG-APP-000555, SRG-APP-000600, SRG-APP-000610, SRG-APP-000620, SRG-APP-000630, SRG-APP-000635

From the vSphere Web Client, go to Developer Center >> API Explorer.

From the "Select API" drop-down menu, select appliance.

Expand system/security/global_fips >> GET.

Click "Execute" and then "Copy Response"  to view the results.

Example response:

{ "enabled": true }

If global FIPS mode is not enabled, this is a finding.

From the vSphere Web Client, go to Developer Center >> API Explorer.

From the "Select API" drop-down menu, select appliance.

Expand system/security/global_fips >> PUT.

In the response body under "Try it out", paste the following:

{ "enabled": true }

Click "Execute".

Note: The vCenter server reboots after FIPS is enabled or disabled.