6.10 Set Delay between Failed Login Attempts to 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/616

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL

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

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 45076104e208179b0cb042e36a914abd7e60d99a5740a927db13f014c2ea77bb