← Back to F5 BIG-IP Device Management Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-217405

CAT II (Medium)

The BIG-IP appliance must only transmit encrypted representations of passwords.

Rule ID

SV-217405r961029_rule

STIG

F5 BIG-IP Device Management Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R4

CCIs

CCI-000197

Discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. Network devices can accomplish this by making direct function calls to encryption modules or by leveraging operating system encryption capabilities.

Check Content

Verify the BIG-IP appliance is configured to use a properly configured authentication server that transmits only encrypted representations of passwords. 

Navigate to the BIG-IP System manager >> System >> Users >> Authentication.

Verify "Authentication: User Directory" is configured for an approved remote authentication server that only transmits encrypted representations of passwords. 

If the BIG-IP appliance is not configured to use a properly configured authentication server that only transmits encrypted representations of passwords, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the BIG-IP appliance or its associated authentication server to transmit only encrypted representations of passwords.