(Resent to the list due to issues with HTML Formatting (my bad))
From: Tim Watkins <watkinstj@iimef.usmc.mil> [mailto:Tim Watkins
<watkinstj@iimef.usmc.mil>]
Sent: Thursday, 17 February 2005 11:04 AM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: KVMs
Had a quick question...
I have some users that want to use KVMs to switch between computers on 3
different / separate networks.
Are there any known security concerns about having networks set up this
way?
This really depends on the type of KVM you are talking about.
Switch-KVM - Where the switch connects to each console, and has a physical
cable (non-networked) running to a Keyboard/Video/Mouse.
IP-KVM - where the Switch connects to each console, and is then accessed
over the network
The first type (Switch-KVM) is the traditional KVM switch, and was first
implemented with simple "twist the dial" switch boxes. They are now
electronic, key-stroke controlled, Resolution aware, USB/PS-2 converting
intelligent pieces of physically connected kit.
These devices are safe in Restricted and Secret environments (don't quote
me - I have no military standing do justify this statement, but they do
comply with my understanding of Orange/Red Book requirements).
The IP-KVM is a whole different beast. These devices are analogous to
Serial Console servers, modem banks and other shared networking systems.
An IP-KVM allows a knowledgeable user to connect to a system console over
the IP network using one (or more) of a variety of protocols - including
(depending on the type of IP-KVM used) HTTP, HTTPS, HTTP/Java, RDP, ISA,
VNC and PCAnywhere. The IP-KVM may (or may not) implement additional
security, encryption or authentication beyond that offered by the
underlying Remote Terminal protocol.
In a military environment, IP-KVM would almost certainly constitute a
forbidden zone bridge, as a single device would be present in multiple
zones, unless the network interface of the IP-KVM resided in a zone that
has rights to see information in all the other zones.
This is the network equivalent of the restrictions on physical placement of
workstations - i.e. If the computer holds classified information, the
console (and access) to that computer must reside in a location of equal or
greater classification.
I hope that this helps.
Crispin.
P.S. I would be recommending that the individual use a (relatively) cheap
commercial Switch-KVM such as the Belkin OmniView, the LinkSys ProConnect,
D-Link DKVM to name a few.
I am thinking that if I can remote into the machine that touches the
cloud, I would be able to then by pass security and use that machine to
remote into the private network.
Any thoughts?
Tim
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