Title

Apple iOS must disallow more than an organizationally-defined quantity of sequential numbers (e.g., 456) in the device unlock password. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Password complexity or strength refers to how difficult it is to determine a password using a dictionary or brute-force attack. Passwords with sequential numbers (e.g., 456 or 987) are considered easier to crack than random patterns. Therefore, disallowing sequential numbers makes it more difficult for an adversary to discover the password.

Check Content

This check procedure is performed on both the iOS Over-the-Air management tool and the iOS device. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, then the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, verify "Allow simple value" is unchecked. For example, in Mobile Iron Admin Portal: 1. Ask the MDM administrator to display the "POLICIES & CONFIGS". 2. Click or tap on the word "Policies". 3. Click or tap the policy name. 4. Expand "Details" under "Policy Details". 5. Verify "Password Type" does not contain "Simple". Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowSimple</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). On the iOS device: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "Profiles". 4. Verify the password policy from the iOS Over-the-Air management tool is present. If "Allow simple value" is turned on in the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, or if "<key>allowSimple</key> <true/>" appears in the config profile, or the password policy from the iOS Over-the-Air management tool is not present on the iOS device, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Apple iOS to disallow more than 2 sequential numbers in the device unlock password. In the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, uncheck "Allow simple value". For example, in Mobile Iron Admin Portal, edit the policy and deselect the "Simple" checkbox for "Password Type".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-43820

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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