APPL-26-003060 The macOS system must require that passwords contain a minimum of one lowercase character and one uppercase character.
All changes in this version
Maps to IA-5(1) via CCI-004066, CCI-004065
Title
The macOS system must require that passwords contain a minimum of one lowercase character and one uppercase character.
Control
Verify the macOS system is configured to require that passwords contain a minimum of one lowercase character and one uppercase character with the following command: /usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2> /dev/null | /usr/bin/tail +2 | /usr/bin/xmllint --xpath 'boolean(//*[contains(text(),"policyAttributePassword matches '\''^(?=.*[A-Z])(?=.*[a-z])(?=.*[0-9]).*$'\''")])' - If the result is not "true", this is a finding.
Discussion
The macOS must be configured to require at least one lowercase character and one uppercase character 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. Note: The configuration profile generated must be installed from a Mobile Device Management (MDM) server. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000069-GPOS-00037, SRG-OS-000070-GPOS-00038, SRG-OS-000730-GPOS-00190
Related controls
CCI-004065, CCI-004066
Fix
Configure the macOS system to require at least one lowercase character and one uppercase character in password complexity by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.