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

From Oracle Linux 5 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of GEN008050

Associated with: CCI-000196

SV-63355r3_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

Verify LDAP is running on the system. To check to see if the system is an LDAP server run: # ps -ef | grep ldap Find out which LDAP is used (if not determined via the command above). # rpm -qa | grep ldap If using nssldap: # grep base /etc/ldap.conf Check to see if the base is set to something besides the default of "dc=example,dc=com". If using openldap: # grep suffix /etc/openldap/slapd.conf Check whether the system is an LDAP client: # grep server /etc/ldap.conf # grep server /etc/openldap/ldap.conf Check whether the server option has an address other than the loopback, then check the nsswitch.conf file: # grep ldap /etc/nsswitch.conf Look for the following three lines: passwd: files ldap shadow: files ldap group: files ldap If all three files are not configured to look for an LDAP source, then the system is not using LDAP for authentication. If the system is not using LDAP for authentication, this is not applicable. Check for the "bindpw" option being used in the "/etc/ldap.conf" file. # grep bindpw /etc/ldap.conf If an uncommented "bindpw" option is returned, then a clear text password is in the file, and this is a finding.

Fix text

Edit the "/etc/ldap.conf" file to use anonymous binding by removing the "bindpw" option.

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