The vCenter Server must disable Secure Shell (SSH) access.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-258968SRG-APP-000516VCSA-80-000303SV-258968r1111830_rule2025-06-092
Description
vCenter Server is delivered as an appliance and is and intended to be managed through the VAMI, vSphere Client, and APIs. SSH is a troubleshooting and support tool and should only be enabled when necessary.
ℹ️ Check
Open the Virtual Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) by navigating to https://<vCenter server>:5480. Log in with local operating system administrative credentials or with a Single Sign-On (SSO) account that is a member of the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrator" group. Select "Access" on the left navigation pane. If "SSH Login" is not "Deactivated", this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Open the Virtual Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) by navigating to https://<vCenter server>:5480. Log in with local operating system administrative credentials or with a Single Sign-On (SSO) account that is a member of the "SystemConfiguration.BashShellAdministrator" group. Select "Access" on the left navigation pane. Click "Edit" then disable "Activate SSH Login" and click "OK".