The Cisco router must be configured to have Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) mask reply messages disabled on all external interfaces.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-216566SRG-NET-000362-RTR-000114CISC-RT-000180SV-216566r856185_rule2024-11-253
Description
The ICMP supports IP traffic by relaying information about paths, routes, and network conditions. Routers automatically send ICMP messages under a wide variety of conditions. Mask Reply ICMP messages are commonly used by attackers for network mapping and diagnosis.
ℹ️ Check
Review the router configuration and verify that ip mask-reply command is not enabled on any external interfaces as shown in the example below. interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip address x.x.x.x 255.255.255.0 ip mask-reply If the ip mask-reply command is configured on any external interface, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Disable ip mask-reply on all external interfaces as shown below. R4(config)#int g0/1 R4(config-if)#no ip mask-reply