| name | cis-ubuntu2004-v300-5-3-3-1-3 |
| description | Ensure password failed attempts lockout includes root account |
| category | cis-iam |
| version | 3.0.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["cis","ubuntu","linux","ubuntu-20.04","pam","authentication"] |
| cis_id | 5.3.3.1.3 |
| cis_benchmark | CIS Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS Benchmark v3.0.0 |
| tech_stack | ["ubuntu","linux"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
5.3.3.1.3 Ensure password failed attempts lockout includes root account (Automated)
Profile Applicability
- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation
Description
even_deny_root - Root account can become locked as well as regular accounts.
root_unlock_time=n - This option implies even_deny_root option. Allow access after n seconds to root account after the account is locked. In case the option is not specified the value is the same as of the unlock_time option.
Rationale
Locking out user IDs after n unsuccessful consecutive login attempts mitigates brute force password attacks against your systems.
Impact
Use of unlock_time=0 or root_unlock_time=0 may allow an attacker to cause denial of service to legitimate users.
Audit Procedure
Command Line
Run the following command to verify that even_deny_root and/or root_unlock_time is enabled:
Example output:
even_deny_root
--AND/OR--
root_unlock_time = 60
Run the following command to verify that - IF - root_unlock_time is set, it is set to 60 (One minute) or more:
Nothing should be returned.
Run the following command to check the pam_faillock.so module for the root_unlock_time argument. Verify -IF- root_unlock_time is set, it is set to 60 (One minute) or more:
Nothing should be returned.
Remediation
Command Line
Edit /etc/security/faillock.conf:
- Remove or update any line containing
root_unlock_time, - OR - set it to a value of 60 or more