6.10 Set Delay between Failed Login Attempts to 4 - SLEEPTIME = 4

Information

The SLEEPTIME variable in the /etc/default/login file controls the number of seconds to wait before printing the "login incorrect" message when a bad password is provided.

As an immediate return of an error message, coupled with the capability to try again may facilitate automatic and rapid-fire brute-force password attacks by a malicious user, this delay time should be set as appropriate to the needs of the user.

Solution

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:
# cd /etc/default
# awk '/SLEEPTIME=/ { $1 = "SLEEPTIME=4" } { print }' login > login.CIS
# mv login.CIS login

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/612

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL

References: 800-53|AC-7a., CSCv6|16.7

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: c9e9b07e681f7445dd31d01047199f4a4df16bb455812dfecebcf5536d508436