2.7 Ensure 'passwordFormat' is not set to clear

Information

Basic Authentication can pass credentials across the network in clear text. It is therefore imperative that the traffic between client and server be encrypted using SSL, especially in cases where the site is publicly accessible and is recommended that SSL be configured and required for any Site or Application using Basic Authentication.

Credentials sent in clear text can be easily intercepted by malicious code or persons. Enforcing the use of Secure Sockets Layer will help mitigate the chances of hijacked credentials.

NOTE: Basic Authentication has not been identified as installed on the target.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/165