Rule version ACF2-ES-000920 · STIG v9 · 2026-09-01
To prevent the compromise of authentication information, such as passwords during the authentication process, the feedback from the operating system must not provide any information allowing an unauthorized user to compromise the authentication mechanism.
Obfuscation of user-provided information that is typed into the system is a method used when addressing this risk.
Displaying asterisks when a user types in a password is an example of obscuring feedback of authentication information.
From the ISPF Command Shell enter: ACF <enter> SET CONTROL(GSO) LIST TSOTWX
If the GSO TSOTWX record values conform to the following requirements, this is not a finding.
CR(15) IDLE(17) LENGTH(8) M1(X) M2(N) M3(Z) M4(M) STRING()
Define a cross out mask to obliterate the logon password on TWX devices.
CR(15) IDLE(17) LENGTH(8) M1(X) M2(N) M3(Z) M4(M) STRING()
Example: SET C(GSO) INSERT TSOTWX CR(15) IDLE(17) LENGTH(8) M1(X) M2(N) M3(Z) M4(M) STRING()
F ACF2,REFRESH(TSOTWX)