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5.5.1.6 Ensure shadow file is configured to use only encrypted representations of passwords

Information

The operating system must be configured to use the shadow file to store only encrypted representations of passwords.

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 encrypted with a weak algorithm are no more protected than if they are kept in plain text.

Solution

Configure the operating system to store only SHA512 encrypted representations of passwords.

Add or update the following line in /etc/login.defs :

ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/8415

Item Details

Category: IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION, SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION

References: 800-53|IA-5(1), 800-53|SC-28, 800-53|SC-28(1), CAT|II, CSCv7|16.4, Rule-ID|SV-204416r603261_rule, STIG-ID|RHEL-07-010210, Vuln-ID|V-204416

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 93f8f5a51e3da595ce3195bb987cb418e2d64f7f9f141b6f4d613bb3fd0758bf