Title

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

Discussion

The macOS must be configured to require that 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 states that complexity rules should be organizationally defined. The values defined are based on common complexity values, but each organization may define its own password complexity rules. NOTE: The configuration profile generated must be installed from a Mobile Device Management (MDM) server. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000069-GPOS-00037, SRG-OS-000070-GPOS-00038, SRG-OS-000730-GPOS-00190

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to require that 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])(?=.*[a-z])(?=.*[0-9]).*$'\''")])' - 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-268547r1034581_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-268547

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

Expert Comments

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