The Ubuntu operating system must encrypt all stored passwords with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm.

From Canonical Ubuntu 16.04 Security Technical Implementation Guide

SV-90139r1_rule The Ubuntu operating system must encrypt all stored passwords with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm.

Vulnerability discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised.Unapproved mechanisms that are used for authentication to the cryptographic module are not verified and therefore cannot be relied upon to provide confidentiality or integrity, and DoD data may be compromised.FIPS 140-2 is the current standard for validating that mechanisms used to access cryptographic modules utilize authentication that meets DoD requirements.Satisfies: SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041, SRG-OS-000120-GPOS-00061

Check content

Verify that the shadow password suite configuration is set to encrypt password with a FIPS 140-2 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm. Check the hashing algorithm that is being used to hash passwords with the following command: # cat /etc/login.defs | grep -i crypt ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the Ubuntu operating system to encrypt all stored passwords. Edit/Modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file and set "[ENCRYPT_METHOD]" to SHA512. ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512

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