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V-269408

CAT II (Medium)

Passwords for new users or password changes must have a 24-hour minimum password lifetime restriction in /etc/login.defs.

Rule ID

SV-269408r1050291_rule

STIG

Cloud Linux AlmaLinux OS 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R6

CCIs

CCI-000198

Discussion

Enforcing a minimum password lifetime helps to prevent repeated password changes to defeat the password reuse or history enforcement requirement. If users are allowed to immediately and continually change their password, then the password could be repeatedly changed in a short period of time to defeat the organization's policy regarding password reuse.

Check Content

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 enforces 24 hours as the minimum password lifetime for new user accounts with the following command:

$ grep PASS_MIN_DAYS /etc/login.defs

PASS_MIN_DAYS 1

If the value of "PASS_MIN_DAYS" is less than "1", is not set, or is commented out, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure AlmaLinux OS 9 to enforce 24 hours as the minimum password lifetime.

Modify the "/etc/login.defs" file to set the "PASS_MIN_DAYS" parameter to 1 or greater:

PASS_MIN_DAYS 1