DISA STIGS Viewer

OL 9 user account passwords for new users or password changes must have a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction in /etc/login.defs.

Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-271631 OL09-00-001095 SV-271631r1091605_rule   Medium
Description
Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked; therefore, passwords need to be changed periodically. If the operating system does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the operating system passwords could be compromised. Setting the password maximum age ensures users are required to periodically change their passwords. Requiring shorter password lifetimes increases the risk of users writing down the password in a convenient location subject to physical compromise.
STIG Date
Oracle Linux 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2025-05-08

Details

Check Text (C-75681r1091603_chk)
Verify that OL 9 enforces a 60-day maximum password lifetime for new user accounts by running the following command:

$ grep -i pass_max_days /etc/login.defs
PASS_MAX_DAYS 60

If the "PASS_MAX_DAYS" parameter value is greater than "60", or commented out, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-75588r1091604_fix)
Configure OL 9 to enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime.

Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file:

PASS_MAX_DAYS 60