Check: RHEL-09-611055
RHEL 9 STIG:
RHEL-09-611055
(in versions v1 r3 through v1 r1)
Title
RHEL 9 system-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: $ sudo grep rounds /etc/pam.d/system-auth password sufficient pam_unix.so sha512 rounds=5000 If a matching line is not returned or "rounds" is less than 5000, this a finding.
Fix Text
Configure Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 to use 5000 hashing rounds for hashing passwords. Add or modify the following line in "/etc/pam.d/system-auth" and set "rounds" to 5000. password sufficient pam_unix.so sha512 rounds=5000'
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-258100r926287_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-258100
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 |
The information system implements mechanisms for authentication to a cryptographic module that meet the requirements of applicable federal laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance for such authentication. |