Title

Apple iOS must not allow more than 10 consecutive failed authentication attempts. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

The more attempts an adversary has to guess a password, the more likely the adversary will enter the correct password and gain access to resources on the device. Setting a limit on the number of attempts mitigates this risk. Setting the limit at 10 or less gives authorized users the ability to make a few mistakes when entering the password but still provides adequate protection against dictionary or brute force attacks on the password. SFR ID: FMT_SMF_EXT.1.1 #2c, FIA_AFL_EXT.1.5

Check Content

Review configuration settings to confirm that consecutive failed authentication attempts is set to "10" or fewer. This procedure is performed in the Apple iOS management tool and on the Apple iOS device. 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 Management tool, verify the "Maximum number of failed attempts" value is set to "10" or fewer. Alternatively, verify the text "<key>maxFailedAttempts</key> <integer>10</integer>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). It also is acceptable for the integer value to be less than "10". On the Apple iOS device: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "Profiles & Device Management". 4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the password policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Tap "Passcode". 7. Verify "Max failed attempts" is listed as "10" or fewer. If the "Maximum number of failed attempts" is more than "10" in the iOS management tool, "<key>maxFailedAttempts</key> " has an integer value of more than "10", or the password policy on the Apple iOS device from the Apple iOS management tool does not list "Max failed attempts" of "10" or fewer, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Install a configuration profile to allow only 10 or fewer consecutive failed authentication attempts.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-93071r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-78365

Group Title: PP-MDF-301050

Expert Comments

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