Ubuntu 24.04 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-270739SRG-OS-000120-GPOS-00061UBTU-24-400400SV-270739r1067124_rule2025-02-181
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 the shadow password suite configuration is set to encrypt passwords with a FIPS 140-3 approved cryptographic hashing algorithm with the following command: $ grep -i ENCRYPT_METHOD /etc/login.defs ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512 If "ENCRYPT_METHOD" does not equal SHA512 or greater, this is a finding.
✔️ Fix
Configure Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to encrypt all stored passwords. Edit/modify the following line in the "/etc/login.defs" file and set "ENCRYPT_METHOD" to SHA512: ENCRYPT_METHOD SHA512