Title

The SUSE operating system must not be configured to allow blank or null passwords. (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.

Check Content

Verify the SUSE operating is not configured to allow blank or null passwords. Check that blank or null passwords cannot be used by running the following command: # grep pam_unix.so /etc/pam.d/* | grep nullok If this produces any output, it may be possible to log on with accounts with empty passwords. If null passwords can be used, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the SUSE operating system to not allow blank or null passwords. Remove any instances of the "nullok" option in "/etc/pam.d/common-auth" and "/etc/pam.d/common-password" to prevent logons with empty passwords.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-217125r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-217125

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.