Title

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

Discussion

The macOS must be configured to require at least one numeric 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.

Check Content

Verify the macOS system is configured to require that passwords contain a minimum of one numeric character with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2> /dev/null | /usr/bin/tail +2 | /usr/bin/xmllint --xpath '//dict/key[text()="policyIdentifier"]/following-sibling::*[1]/text()' - | /usr/bin/grep "requireAlphanumeric" -c If the result is not "1", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the macOS system to require that passwords contain a minimum of one numeric character by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-268535r1034545_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-268535

Group Title: SRG-OS-000071-GPOS-00039

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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