Rule version VCSA-80-000290 · STIG v2 · 2026-09-10
vCenter SSO integrates with PAM in the underlying Photon operating system so members of the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators" SSO group can log on to the operating system without needing a separate account. However, even though unique SSO users log on, they are transparently using a group account named "sso-user" as far as Photon auditing is concerned. While the audit trail can still be traced back to the individual SSO user, it is a more involved process.
To force accountability and nonrepudiation, the SSO group "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators" must be severely restricted.
From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Users and Groups >> Groups.
Click the next page arrow until the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators" group appears.
Click "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators".
Review the members of the group and ensure that only authorized accounts are present.
Note: By default the Administrator and a unique service account similar to "vmware-applmgmtservice-714684a4-342f-4eff-a232-cdc21def00c2" will be in the group and should not be removed.
If there are any accounts present as members of SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators that are not authorized, this is a finding.
From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Users and Groups >> Groups.
Click the next page arrow until the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators" group appears.
Click "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrators".
Click the three vertical dots next to the name of each unauthorized account.
Select "Remove Member".