Title

User passwords must be changed at least every 60 days. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Setting the password maximum age ensures users are required to periodically change their passwords. This could possibly decrease the utility of a stolen password. Requiring shorter password lifetimes increases the risk of users writing down the password in a convenient location subject to physical compromise.

Check Content

To check the maximum password age, run the command: $ grep PASS_MAX_DAYS /etc/login.defs The DoD requirement is 60. If it is not set to the required value, this is a finding.

Fix Text

To specify password maximum age for new accounts, edit the file "/etc/login.defs" and add or correct the following line, replacing [DAYS] appropriately: PASS_MAX_DAYS [DAYS] The DoD requirement is 60.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-217889r603264_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-217889

Group Title: SRG-OS-000076

Expert Comments

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