cis-azure-foundations-8-1-3-2

name	cis-azure-foundations-8.1.3.2
description	Ensure 'Vulnerability assessment for machines' component status is set to 'On'
category	cis-azure-foundations
version	5.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","azure","security","defender","servers","vulnerability-assessment"]
cis_id	8.1.3.2
cis_benchmark	CIS Microsoft Azure Foundations Benchmark v5.0.0
tech_stack	["azure"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

8.1.3.2 Ensure that 'Vulnerability assessment for machines' component status is set to 'On' (Manual)

Description

Enable vulnerability assessment for machines on both Azure and hybrid (Arc enabled) machines.

Rationale

Vulnerability assessment for machines scans for various security-related configurations and events such as system updates, OS vulnerabilities, and endpoint protection, then produces alerts on threat and vulnerability findings.

Impact

Microsoft Defender for Servers plan 2 licensing is required, and configuration of Azure Arc introduces complexity beyond this recommendation.

Audit Procedure

From Azure Portal:

1. From Azure Home select the Portal Menu.
2. Select Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
3. Under Management, select Environment Settings.
4. Select a subscription.
5. Click on Settings & monitoring.
6. Ensure that Vulnerability assessment for machines is set to On.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

From Azure Policy:

• Policy ID: 501541f7-f7e7-4cd6-868c-4190fdad3ac9 - Name: 'A vulnerability assessment solution should be enabled on your virtual machines'

Expected Result

Vulnerability assessment for machines should be set to On.

Remediation

From Azure Portal:

1. From Azure Home select the Portal Menu.
2. Select Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
3. Under Management, select Environment Settings.
4. Select a subscription.
5. Click on Settings & Monitoring.
6. Set the Status of Vulnerability assessment for machines to On.
7. Click Continue.

Repeat the above for any additional subscriptions.

Default Value

By default, Automatic provisioning of monitoring agent is set to Off.

References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/monitoring-components