Title

Apple iOS must not allow passwords that include more than two repeating or sequential characters. (Cat III 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 that simple passcodes are not allowed. This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS management tool and 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 Apple iOS management tool, verify the "Allow simple value" is unchecked. Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowSimple</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). 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 "Simple passcodes allowed" is set to "No". If "Allow simple value" is checked in the Apple iOS management tool, "<key>allowSimple</key> <true/>" appears in the Configuration Profile, or the password policy on the Apple iOS device from the Apple iOS management tool does not have "Simple passcodes allowed" set to "No", this is a finding.

Fix Text

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

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-93067r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-78361

Group Title: PP-MDF-301020

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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