Title

Apple iOS/iPadOS 16 must be configured to not allow passwords that include more than four repeating or sequential characters. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Password strength is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting guessing and brute force attacks. Passwords that contain repeating or sequential characters are significantly easier to guess than those that do not contain repeating or sequential characters. Therefore, disallowing repeating or sequential characters increases password strength and decreases risk. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #1b

Check Content

Review configuration settings to confirm simple passcodes are not allowed. This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and the iPhone and iPad. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, verify "Allow simple value" is unchecked. Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowSimple</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). On the iPhone and iPad: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "Profiles & Device Management" or "Profiles". 4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the password policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Tap "Passcode". 7. Verify "Simple passcodes allowed" is set to "No". If "Allow simple value" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowSimple</key> <true/>" appears in the Configuration Profile, or the password policy on the iPhone and iPad does not have "Simple passcodes allowed" set to "No", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Install a configuration profile to disallow more than four sequential or repeating numbers or letters in the device unlock password.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-254589r862023_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-254589

Group Title: PP-MDF-323025

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.