User passwords must be changed at least every 60 days.

From Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000199

SV-50279r1_rule User passwords must be changed at least every 60 days.

Vulnerability discussion

Setting the password maximum age ensures users are required to periodically change their passwords. This could possibly decrease the utility of a stolen password. Requiring shorter password lifetimes increases the risk of users writing down the password in a convenient location subject to physical compromise.

Check content

To check the maximum password age, run the command: $ grep PASS_MAX_DAYS /etc/login.defs The DoD requirement is 60. If it is not set to the required value, this is a finding.

Fix text

To specify password maximum age for new accounts, edit the file "/etc/login.defs" and add or correct the following line, replacing [DAYS] appropriately: PASS_MAX_DAYS [DAYS] The DoD requirement is 60.

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