Title

The system must not have accounts configured with blank or null passwords. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

If an account is configured for password authentication but does not have an assigned password, it may be possible to log into the account without authentication. If the root user is configured without a password, the entire system may be compromised. For user accounts not using password authentication, the account must be configured with a password lock value instead of a blank or null value.

Check Content

Verify no accounts have blank passwords. # cat /etc/passwd # cat /etc/shadow If any account with a blank password is found, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Remove, lock, or configure a password for any account with a blank password.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-770

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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