Check: RHEL-09-611050
RHEL 9 STIG:
RHEL-09-611050
(in version v2 r3)
Title
RHEL 9 password-auth must be configured to use a sufficient number of hashing rounds. (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. Passwords that are encrypted with a weak algorithm are no more protected than if they are kept in plain text. Using more hashing rounds makes password cracking attacks more difficult. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041, SRG-OS-000120-GPOS-00061
Check Content
Verify the number of rounds for the password hashing algorithm is configured with the following command: $ grep rounds /etc/pam.d/password-auth password sufficient pam_unix.so sha512 rounds=100000 If a matching line is not returned or "rounds" is less than "100000", this a finding.
Fix Text
Configure RHEL 9 to use 100000 hashing rounds for hashing passwords. Add or modify the following line in "/etc/pam.d/password-auth" and set "rounds" to "100000". password sufficient pam_unix.so sha512 rounds=100000 Note: Running authselect will overwrite this value unless a custom authselect policy is created.
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-258099r1045198_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-258099
Group Title: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041
Expert Comments
CCIs
| Number | Definition |
|---|---|
| CCI-000196 |
The information system, for password-based authentication, stores only cryptographically-protected passwords. |
| CCI-000803 |
Implement mechanisms for authentication to a cryptographic module that meet the requirements of applicable laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance for such authentication. |
| CCI-004062 |
For password-based authentication, store passwords using an approved salted key derivation function, preferably using a keyed hash. |