STIGQter: STIG Summary: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 8 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

RHEL 8 must require re-authentication when using the "sudo" command.

DISA Rule

SV-237643r1050789_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-237643

Group Title

SRG-OS-000373-GPOS-00156

Rule Version

RHEL-08-010384

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-004895 - Permit users to invoke the trusted communications path for communications between the user and the organization-defined security functions, including at a minimum, authentication and re-authentication.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure the "sudo" command to require re-authentication.
Edit the /etc/sudoers file:
$ sudo visudo

Add or modify the following line:
Defaults timestamp_timeout=[value]
Note: The "[value]" must be a number that is greater than or equal to "0".

Remove any duplicate or conflicting lines from /etc/sudoers and /etc/sudoers.d/ files.

Check Contents

Verify the operating system requires re-authentication when using the "sudo" command to elevate privileges.

$ sudo grep -ir 'timestamp_timeout' /etc/sudoers /etc/sudoers.d
/etc/sudoers:Defaults timestamp_timeout=0

If conflicting results are returned, this is a finding.

If "timestamp_timeout" is set to a negative number, is commented out, or no results are returned, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-237643

Documentable

False

Rule Version

RHEL-08-010384

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the operating system requires re-authentication when using the "sudo" command to elevate privileges.

$ sudo grep -ir 'timestamp_timeout' /etc/sudoers /etc/sudoers.d
/etc/sudoers:Defaults timestamp_timeout=0

If conflicting results are returned, this is a finding.

If "timestamp_timeout" is set to a negative number, is commented out, or no results are returned, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

2921