IBM z/OS RACF STIG Version Comparison

There are 3 differences between versions v9 r1 (July 24, 2024) (the "left" version) and v9 r3 (Jan. 30, 2025) (the "right" version).

Check RACF-ES-000490 was removed from the benchmark in the "right" version. The text below reflects the old wording.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

The IBM RACF PASSWORD(REVOKE) SETROPTS value must be set to automatically lock an account until the locked account is released by an administrator when three unsuccessful logon attempts occur.

Check Content

From the ISPF Command Shell enter: SETRopts List If the PASSWORD(REVOKE) value shows "AFTER <n> CONSECUTIVE UNSUCCESSFUL PASSWORD ATTEMPTS, A USERID WILL BE REVOKED." where <n> is either "1" or "2", this is not a finding. If the PASSWORD(REVOKE) value is not enabled and is not set to either "1" or "2", this is a finding.

Discussion

By limiting the number of failed logon attempts, the risk of unauthorized system access via user password guessing, otherwise known as brute-force attacks, is reduced. Limits are imposed by locking the account.

Fix

Ensure that PASSWORD(REVOKE) SETROPTS value is set to "1" or "2". This specifies the number of consecutive incorrect password attempts RACF allows before it revokes the USERID on the next incorrect attempt. If REVOKE is specified, ensure INITSTATS are in effect. Evaluate the impact associated with implementation of the control option. Develop a plan of action to implement the control option as specified in the example below: The RACF Command SETR LIST will show the status of RACF Controls including PASSWORD REVOKE. Set the password REVOKE to "2" invalid attempts activated with the command SETR PASSWORD(REVOKE(2)).