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V-275653

CAT II (Medium)

Ubuntu OS must prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords.

Rule ID

SV-275653r1148009_rule

STIG

Riverbed NetIM OS Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

If Ubuntu OS allows the user to select passwords based on dictionary words, then this increases the chances of password compromise by increasing the opportunity for successful guesses and brute-force attacks. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00225, SRG-OS-000710-GPOS-00160

Check Content

Verify Ubuntu OS prevents the use of dictionary words for passwords by using the following command: 
 
     $ grep -i dictcheck /etc/security/pwquality.conf 
     dictcheck = 1  
  
If "dictcheck" is not set to "1", is commented out, or is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Ubuntu OS to prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords. 
  
Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/security/pwquality.conf" file: 
  
dictcheck = 1