The system must require at least eight characters be changed between the old and new passwords during a password change.

From Solaris 11 SPARC Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000195

SV-60839r2_rule The system must require at least eight characters be changed between the old and new passwords during a password change.

Vulnerability discussion

To ensure password changes are effective in their goals, the system must ensure old and new passwords have significant differences. Without significant changes, new passwords may be easily guessed based on the value of a previously compromised password.

Check content

Check /etc/default/passwd to verify the MINDIFF setting. # grep ^MINDIFF /etc/default/passwd If the setting is not present, or is less than 8, this is a finding.

Fix text

The root role is required. # pfedit /etc/default/passwd Search for MINDIFF. Change the line to read: MINDIFF=8

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