The system boot loader must protect passwords using an MD5 or stronger cryptographic hash.

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000213

SV-63097r1_rule The system boot loader must protect passwords using an MD5 or stronger cryptographic hash.

Vulnerability discussion

If system boot loader passwords are compromised, users with console access to the system may be able to alter the system boot configuration or boot the system into single user or maintenance mode, which could result in Denial of Service or unauthorized privileged access to the system.

Check content

Check GRUB for password configuration. Procedure: Check the /boot/grub/grub.conf or /boot/grub/menu.lst files. # grep "password" /boot/grub/grub.conf /boot/grub/menu.lst Check for a password configuration line, such as: password --md5 If the boot loader passwords are not protected using an MD5 hash or stronger, this is a finding.

Fix text

Consult vendor documentation for procedures concerning the system's boot loader. Configure the boot loader to hash boot loader passwords using MD5 or a stronger hash.

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