Rule version VMCH-80-000201 · STIG v2 · 2026-08-26
When accessing the VM console, the guest operating system must be locked when the last console user disconnects, limiting the possibility of session hijacking. This setting only applies to Windows-based VMs with VMware tools installed.
For each virtual machine do the following:
From the vSphere Client, right-click the Virtual Machine and go to Edit Settings >> VM Options >> VMware Remote Console Options.
Verify the option "Lock the guest operating system when the last remote user disconnects" is checked.
or
From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command:
Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name tools.guest.desktop.autolock
If the virtual machine advanced setting "tools.guest.desktop.autolock" is not set to "true", this is a finding.
If the virtual machine advanced setting "tools.guest.desktop.autolock" does not exist, this is not a finding.
For each virtual machine do the following:
From the vSphere Client, right-click the Virtual Machine and go to Edit Settings >> VM Options >> VMware Remote Console Options.
Check the box next to "Lock the guest operating system when the last remote user disconnects". Click "OK".
or
From a PowerCLI command prompt while connected to the ESXi host or vCenter server, run the following command:
Get-VM "VM Name" | Get-AdvancedSetting -Name tools.guest.desktop.autolock | Set-AdvancedSetting -Value true