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

From SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v11 for System z Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000196

SV-45865r1_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

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 cleartext password is in the file, this is a finding.

Fix text

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

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.