SLEM 5 must be configured to create or update passwords with a maximum lifetime of 180 days.

Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked. Therefore, passwords need to be changed periodically. If SLEM 5 does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that SLEM 5 passwords could be compromised.

Verify that SLEM 5 is configured to create or update passwords with a maximum password age of 180 days or less with the following command:

     > grep '^PASS_MAX_DAYS' /etc/login.defs

If "PASS_MAX_DAYS" is not set to a value of "180" or less, but greater than "0", the line is commented out, or no line is returned, this is a finding.

Configure SLEM 5 to enforce a maximum password age of 180 days or less.

Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file:

PASS_MAX_DAYS <days>

The DoW requirement is 180 days or less (but greater than zero, as zero days will lock the account immediately).