Ubuntu OS must prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-275653RIIM-OS-611030SV-275653r1148009_ruleCCI-000366medium
Description
If Ubuntu OS allows the user to select passwords based on dictionary words, then this increases the chances of password compromise by increasing the opportunity for successful guesses and brute-force attacks. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00225, SRG-OS-000710-GPOS-00160
STIGDate
Riverbed NetIM OS Security Technical Implementation Guide2025-10-02

Details

Check Text (C-275653r1148009_chk)

Verify Ubuntu OS prevents the use of dictionary words for passwords by using the following command: $ grep -i dictcheck /etc/security/pwquality.conf dictcheck = 1 If "dictcheck" is not set to "1", is commented out, or is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-79660r1148008_fix)

Configure Ubuntu OS to prevent the use of dictionary words for passwords. Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/security/pwquality.conf" file: dictcheck = 1