If the system is using LDAP for authentication or account information, the /etc/ldap.conf file (or equivalent) must not contain passwords.

From HP-UX 11.31 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: IAIA-2, IAIA-1

Associated with: CCI-000196

SV-38414r1_rule If the system is using LDAP for authentication or account information, the /etc/ldap.conf file (or equivalent) must not contain passwords.

Vulnerability discussion

The authentication of automated LDAP connections between systems must not use passwords since more secure methods are available, such as PKI and Kerberos. Additionally, the storage of unencrypted passwords on the system is not permitted.

Check content

Determine if the system uses LDAP. If it does not, this is not applicable. # swlist | grep LDAP OR # cat /etc/nsswitch.conf | tr '\011' ' ' | tr -s ' ' | sed -e 's/^[ \t]*//' | grep -v "^#" | grep -i ldap If the product is installed: ls -lL /etc/opt/ldapux/acred /etc/opt/ldapux/pcred The user credentials are stored in the pcred and acred files, including the password. While these credentials are not visible as plain text, the pcred and acred files are not encrypted. If either of the above unencrypted files exists, this is a finding.

Fix text

Consult vendor documentation for the procedures for configuring LDAP for authentication and account information. Remove any passwords from unencrypted LDAP configuration files.

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