The system must enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction.

From VMware vSphere vCenter Server Version 6 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000199

SV-78435r1_rule The system must enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction.

Vulnerability discussion

Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked. Therefore, passwords need to be changed at specific intervals. One method of minimizing this risk is to use complex passwords and periodically change them. If the application does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the system and/or application passwords could be compromised. This requirement does not include emergency administration accounts which are meant for access to the application in case of failure. These accounts are not required to have maximum password lifetime restrictions.

Check content

From the vSphere Web Client go to Administration >> Single Sign-On >> Configuration >> Policies >> Password Policy. View the value of the "Maximum lifetime" setting. If the "Maximum lifetime" policy is not set to 60, this is a finding.

Fix text

From the vSphere Web Client go to Administration >> Single Sign-On >> Configuration >> Policies >> Password Policy. Click "Edit" and enter "60" into the "Maximum lifetime" setting and click "OK".

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