Title

The Central Log Server must be configured to require the change of at least 8 of the total number of characters when passwords are changed. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

If the application allows the user to consecutively reuse extensive portions of passwords, this increases the chances of password compromise by increasing the window of opportunity for attempts at guessing and brute-force attacks. The number of changed characters refers to the number of changes required with respect to the total number of positions in the current password. In other words, characters may be the same within the two passwords; however, the positions of the like characters must be different.

Check Content

Examine the configuration. Verify the Central Log Server is configured to enforce password complexity by requiring the change of at least 8 of the total number of characters when passwords are changed. If the Central Log Server is not configured to require the change of at least 8 of the total number of characters when passwords are changed, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the Central Log Server to require the change of at least 8 of the total number of characters when passwords are changed.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-206473r397519_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-206473

Group Title: SRG-APP-000170

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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