Vulnerability Discussion

Any password, no matter how complex, can eventually be cracked; therefore, passwords need to be changed at specific intervals.

One method of minimizing this risk is to use complex passwords and periodically change them. If the application does not limit the lifetime of passwords and force users to change their passwords, there is the risk that the system and/or application passwords could be compromised.

This requirement does not include emergency administration accounts that are meant for access to the application in case of failure. These accounts are not required to have maximum password lifetime restrictions.

Check

If the Mainframe Product employs an external security manager (ESM) for all account management functions, this is not applicable.

Examine user account management configurations.

If the Mainframe Product account management configuration does not enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction, this is a finding.

Fix

Configure the Mainframe Product account management settings to enforce a 60-day maximum password lifetime restriction.