Title

The system must impose the same restrictions on root passwords that are already applied to non-root users. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Best practices and standard operating procedures for computing systems include password management. If the root account is allowed to be configured with inadequate password controls, the entire system can be compromised.

Check Content

If the system is configured for Trusted Mode, this check is not applicable. For Standard Mode with Security Extensions (SMSE): Check the /etc/default/security file for the following attribute(s) and attribute values: PASSWORD_POLICY_STRICT=1 # grep "PASSWORD_POLICY_STRICT" /etc/default/security If PASSWORD_POLICY_STRICT=0, then the root user is not subject to the same password restrictions as non-root users, and this is a finding.

Fix Text

If the system is operating in Trusted Mode, no fix is required. For SMSE: Edit the /etc/default/security file and add/modify the following attribute(s) and attribute values: PASSWORD_POLICY_STRICT=1 Save the file before exiting the editor.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-65205r2_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-50999

Group Title: GEN000000-HPUX0225

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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