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V-256325

CAT II (Medium)

The vCenter Server passwords must be at least 15 characters in length.

Rule ID

SV-256325r885586_rule

STIG

VMware vSphere 7.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R3

CCIs

CCI-000205

Discussion

The shorter the password, the lower the number of possible combinations that need to be tested before the password is compromised. Password complexity, or strength, is a measure of the effectiveness of a password in resisting attempts at guessing and brute-force attacks. Password length is one factor of several that helps to determine strength and how long it takes to crack a password. Use of more characters in a password helps to exponentially increase the time and/or resources required to compromise the password.

Check Content

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Configuration >> Local Accounts >> Password Policy. 

The following password requirement should be set with at least the stated value: 

Minimum Length: 15 

If this password policy is not configured as stated, this is a finding.

Fix Text

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Single Sign On >> Configuration >> Local Accounts >> Password Policy.

Click "Edit".

Set the "Minimum Length" to "15" and click "Save".