Title

The Ubuntu operating system must not be configured to allow blank or null passwords. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

If the operating system allows empty passwords, anyone could log on and run commands with the privileges. Empty passwords should never be used in operational environments.

Check Content

To verify that null passwords cannot be used, run the following command: # grep pam_unix.so /etc/pam.d/* | grep nullok* If this produces any output, it may be possible to log on with accounts with empty passwords. If null passwords can be used, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Remove any instances of the "nullok" option in files under "/etc/pam.d/" to prevent logons with empty passwords.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-214963r610931_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-214963

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

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