RHEL 9 must employ FIPS 140-3 approved cryptographic hashing algorithms for all stored passwords.

Documentable No

Rule ID SV-258231r1069375_rule

CCI References

CCI-004062CCI-000803CCI-000196

Discussion

The system must use a strong hashing algorithm to store the password. 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. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041, SRG-OS-000120-GPOS-00061

Check Procedure

Verify the interactive user account passwords are using a strong password hash with the following command:

$ sudo cut -d: -f2 /etc/shadow

$6$kcOnRq/5$NUEYPuyL.wghQwWssXRcLRFiiru7f5JPV6GaJhNC2aK5F3PZpE/BCCtwrxRc/AInKMNX3CdMw11m9STiql12f/ 

Password hashes "!" or "*" indicate inactive accounts not available for logon and are not evaluated.

If any interactive user password hash does not begin with "$6$", this is a finding.

Fix Action

Lock all interactive user accounts not using SHA-512 hashing until the passwords can be regenerated with SHA-512.