Title

NixOS must store only encrypted representations of passwords. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised.

Check Content

Verify NixOS stores only encrypted representations of passwords with the following command: $ grep ENCRYPT_METHOD /etc/login.defs ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, is commented out, or is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure NixOS to store only encrypted representations of passwords. Add/modify /etc/nixos/configuration.nix to include the following lines: environment.etc."login.defs".text = pkgs.lib.mkForce '' ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA256 ''; Rebuild the system with the following command: $ sudo nixos-rebuild switch

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-268130r1039278_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-268130

Group Title: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Expert Comments

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