The Ubuntu operating system must enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction. Passwords for new users must have a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-238203 | UBTU-20-010008 | SV-238203r1038967_rule | CCI-000199 | low |
| 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. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Canonical Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-16 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-238203r1038967_chk)
Verify the Ubuntu operating system 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-41372r653783_fix)
Configure the Ubuntu operating system to enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime.
Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file:
PASS_MAX_DAYS 60