Title

The macOS system must require passwords contain a minimum of one lowercase character and one uppercase character. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The macOS be configured to require at least one lowercase character and one uppercase character be used when a password is created. This rule enforces password complexity by requiring users to set passwords that are less vulnerable to malicious users. Note: The guidance for password-based authentication in NIST 800-53 (Rev 5) and NIST 800-63B state that complexity rules should be organizationally defined. The values defined are based on common complexity values, but an organization may define its own password complexity rules. Note: The configuration profile generated must be installed from an MDM server. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000069-GPOS-00037,SRG-OS-000070-GPOS-00038

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to require passwords contain a minimum of one lowercase character and one uppercase character with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2> /dev/null | /usr/bin/tail +2 | /usr/bin/xmllint --xpath 'boolean(//*[contains(text(),"policyAttributePassword matches '\''.*[A-Z]{1,}[a-z]{1,}.*'\''")])' - If the result is not "true", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to require at least one lowercase character and one uppercase character in password complexity by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-259550r941272_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-259550

Group Title: SRG-OS-000069-GPOS-00037

Expert Comments

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