Title

If passwords are used for authentication, the MySQL Server must store only hashed, salted representations of passwords. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The DoD standard for authentication is DoD-approved PKI certificates. Authentication based on User ID and Password may be used only when it is not possible to employ a PKI certificate, and requires AO approval. In such cases, database passwords stored in clear text, using reversible encryption, or using unsalted hashes would be vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. Database passwords must always be in the form of one-way, salted hashes when stored internally or externally to the DBMS.

Check Content

Review any user passwords stored in the MySQL Server. mysql> select host,user,plugin,authentication_string,password_expired,password_last_changed,password_lifetime,account_locked from user; If any passwords are stored in plain text or without a hashed, salted representation this is a finding.

Fix Text

Implement a secure password method in MySQL. The password method must only store hashed, salted representations of passwords.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-32468

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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