Title

RHEL 8 must encrypt all stored passwords with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Passwords need to 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. Unapproved mechanisms that are used for authentication to the cryptographic module are not verified and therefore cannot be relied upon to provide confidentiality or integrity, and DoD data may be compromised. FIPS 140-2 is the current standard for validating that mechanisms used to access cryptographic modules utilize authentication that meets DoD requirements.

Check Content

Verify that the shadow password suite configuration is set to encrypt password with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm. Check the hashing algorithm that is being used to hash passwords with the following command: $ sudo grep -i crypt /etc/login.defs ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure RHEL 8 to encrypt all stored passwords. Edit/Modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file and set "[ENCRYPT_METHOD]" to SHA512. ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-230231r1017050_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-230231

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

Expert Comments

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