Title

The macOS system must require a minimum password length of 14 characters. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The macOS must be configured to require that a minimum of 14 characters 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.

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to enforce a minimum 14-character password length with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2> /dev/null | /usr/bin/tail +2 | /usr/bin/xmllint --xpath 'boolean(//*[contains(text(),"policyAttributePassword matches '\''.{14,}'\''")])' - If the result is not "true", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to enforce a 14-character password length by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-268537r1034551_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-268537

Group Title: SRG-OS-000078-GPOS-00046

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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