TOSS 5 user account passwords for new users or password changes must have a 180-day maximum password lifetime restriction in /etc/login.defs.

Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked; therefore, passwords must be changed periodically. If the operating system does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the operating system passwords could be compromised.

Setting the password maximum age ensures users are required to periodically change their passwords. Requiring shorter password lifetimes increases the risk of users writing down the password in a convenient location subject to physical compromise.

Verify TOSS 5 enforces a 180-day maximum password lifetime for new user accounts using the following command:

$ grep -i pass_max_days /etc/login.defs

PASS_MAX_DAYS 180

If the "PASS_MAX_DAYS" parameter value is greater than "180" or commented out, this is a finding.

Configure TOSS 5 to enforce a 180-day maximum password lifetime.

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

PASS_MAX_DAYS 180