Ubuntu 22.04 LTS must encrypt all stored passwords with a FIPS 140-3-approved cryptographic hashing algorithm.

Severity
Group ID
Group Title
Version
Rule ID
Date
STIG Version
mediumV-260572SRG-OS-000120-GPOS-00061UBTU-22-611070SV-260572r971535_rule2025-03-032
Description
Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised.
ℹ️ Check
Verify that the shadow password suite configuration is set to encrypt passwords with a FIPS 140-3 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm by using the following command: $ grep -i '^\s*encrypt_method' /etc/login.defs ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, is commented out, or is missing, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Configure Ubuntu 22.04 LTS to encrypt all stored passwords. Add or modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file: ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512