Check: SRG-APP-000169-NDM-000257
Network Device Management SRG:
SRG-APP-000169-NDM-000257
(in versions v4 r3 through v2 r13)
Title
The network device must enforce password complexity by requiring that at least one special character be used. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
Use of a complex password helps to increase the time and resources required to compromise the password. Password complexity, or strength, is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting attempts at guessing and brute-force attacks. Password complexity is one factor of several that determine how long it takes to crack a password. The more complex the password, the greater the number of possible combinations that need to be tested before the password is compromised. Multifactor authentication (MFA) is required for all administrative and user accounts on network devices, except for an account of last resort and (where applicable) a root account. Passwords should only be used when MFA using PKI is not available, and for the account of last resort and root account.
Check Content
Where passwords are used, confirm that the network device and associated authentication server enforces password complexity by requiring that at least one special character be used. This requirement may be verified by demonstration, configuration review, or validated test results. If the network device and associated authentication server does not require that at least one special character be used in each password, this is a finding.
Fix Text
Configure the network device and associated authentication server to enforce password complexity by requiring that at least one special character be used.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-202062r879606_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-202062
Group Title: SRG-APP-000169
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-001619 |
The information system enforces password complexity by the minimum number of special characters used. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
IA-5 (1) |
Password-Based Authentication |