RHEL-10-600100 RHEL 10 user account passwords for new users or password changes must have a 180-day maximum password lifetime restriction in /etc/login.defs.
All changes in this version
Maps to IA-5(1) via CCI-004066
Title
RHEL 10 user account passwords for new users or password changes must have a 180-day maximum password lifetime restriction in /etc/login.defs.
Control
Verify that RHEL 10 enforces a 180-day maximum password lifetime for new user accounts by running the following command: $ sudo grep -i pass_max_days /etc/login.defs PASS_MAX_DAYS 180 If the "PASS_MAX_DAYS" parameter value is greater than "180", or commented out, this is a finding.
Discussion
Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked; therefore, passwords need to be changed periodically. If the operating system does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the operating system passwords could be compromised. Setting the password maximum age ensures users are required to periodically change their passwords. Requiring shorter password lifetimes increases the risk of users writing down the password in a convenient location subject to physical compromise.
Related controls
CCI-004066
Fix
Configure RHEL 10 to enforce a 180-day maximum password lifetime. Add, or modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file: PASS_MAX_DAYS 180