Title

The Ubuntu operating system must encrypt all stored passwords with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised.

Check Content

Verify that the shadow password suite configuration is set to encrypt password with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm. Check the hashing algorithm that is being used to hash passwords with the following command: # cat /etc/login.defs | grep -i crypt ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the Ubuntu operating system to encrypt all stored passwords. Edit/Modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file and set "ENCRYPT_METHOD" to SHA512. ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-219176r877397_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-219176

Group Title: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Expert Comments

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