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APPL-26-003010 The macOS system must require a minimum password length of 14 characters.

DISA STIG library V1R4
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

Maps to IA-5(1) via CCI-004066

Title

The macOS system must require a minimum password length of 14 characters.

Control

Verify the macOS system is configured to enforce a minimum 14-character password length with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2>/dev/null | tail +2 | grep -oE "policyAttributePassword matches '.\{[0-9]+," | awk -F'[{,]' -v ODV=14 '{if ($2 > max) max=$2} END {print (max >= ODV) ? "pass" : "fail"}' If the result is not "true", this is a finding.

Discussion

The macOS must be configured to require that a minimum of 14 characters be used when a password is created. This rule enforces password complexity by requiring users to set passwords that are less vulnerable to malicious users. Note: The guidance for password-based authentication in NIST 800-53 (Rev 5) and NIST 800-63B states that complexity rules must be organizationally defined. The values defined are based on common complexity values, but each organization may define its own password complexity rules.

Related controls

CCI-004066

Fix

Configure the macOS system to enforce a 14-character password length by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.