Title

Ubuntu OS must prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

If Ubuntu OS allows the user to select passwords based on dictionary words, then this increases the chances of password compromise by increasing the opportunity for successful guesses and brute-force attacks. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00225, SRG-OS-000710-GPOS-00160

Check Content

Verify Ubuntu OS prevents the use of dictionary words for passwords by using the following command: $ grep -i dictcheck /etc/security/pwquality.conf dictcheck = 1 If "dictcheck" is not set to "1", is commented out, or is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Ubuntu OS to prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords. Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/security/pwquality.conf" file: dictcheck = 1

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-275653r1148009_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-275653

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00225

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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