Title

The macOS system must enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked. Therefore, passwords need to be changed periodically. One method of minimizing this risk is to use complex passwords and periodically change them. If the operating system does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the operating system passwords could be compromised.

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime with the following command: /usr/sbin/system_profiler SPConfigurationProfileDataType | /usr/bin/grep "maxPINAgeInDays" maxPINAgeInDays = 60; If "maxPINAgeInDays" is set a value greater than "60", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to require the enforcement of a 60-day maximum password lifetime by installing the "Passcode Policy" configuration profile.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-257227r905314_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-257227

Group Title: SRG-OS-000076-GPOS-00044

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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