Applications must obscure feedback of authentication information during the authentication process to protect the information from possible exploitation/use by unauthorized individuals.

From MS SQL Server 2016 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000206

SV-94063r1_rule Applications must obscure feedback of authentication information during the authentication process to protect the information from possible exploitation/use by unauthorized individuals.

Vulnerability discussion

To prevent the compromise of authentication information, such as passwords and PINs, during the authentication process, the feedback from the information system must not provide any information that would allow an unauthorized user to compromise the authentication mechanism.Obfuscation of user-provided information when typed into the system is a method used in addressing this risk.For example, displaying asterisks when a user types in a password or PIN, is an example of obscuring feedback of authentication information.Database applications may allow for entry of the account name and password as a visible parameter of the application execution command. This practice must be prohibited and disabled to prevent shoulder surfing.

Check content

Determine whether any applications that access the database allow for entry of the account name and password, or PIN. If any do, determine whether these applications obfuscate authentication data; if they do not, this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure or modify applications to prohibit display of passwords in clear text.

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