Title

Ubuntu OS must store only encrypted representations of passwords. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Passwords must be protected at all times and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. If the application allows the user to consecutively reuse their password when that password has exceeded its defined lifetime, the end result is a password that is not changed as per policy requirements.

Check Content

Verify the Ubuntu operating stores only encrypted representations of passwords with the following command: $ grep pam_unix.so /etc/pam.d/common-password password [success=1 default=ignore] pam_unix.so obscure sha512 shadow remember=5 rounds=100000 If "sha512" is missing from the "pam_unix.so" line, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Ubuntu OS to store encrypted representations of passwords. Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/pam.d/common-password" file: password [success=1 default=ignore] pam_unix.so obscure sha512 shadow remember=5 rounds=100000

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-275657r1148272_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-275657

Group Title: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Expert Comments

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