Ubuntu OS must prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium | V-275653 | SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00225 | RIIM-OS-611030 | SV-275653r1148009_rule | 2025-10-02 | 1 |
Description
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
ℹ️ Check
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
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