Title

The system must require at least four characters be changed between the old and new passwords during a password change. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

To ensure password changes are effective in their goals, the system must ensure old and new passwords have significant differences. Without significant changes, new passwords may be easily guessed based on the value of a previously compromised password.

Check Content

Consult vendor documentation for the configuration setting that controls the minimum number of changed characters required during a password change. If the configured number is less than 4, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Consult vendor documentation for the configuration setting that controls the minimum number of changed characters required during a password change. Change the setting to 4.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-25953r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22306

Group Title: GEN000750

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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