STIGQter: STIG Summary: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

RHEL 9, for PKI-based authentication, must enforce authorized access to the corresponding private key.

DISA Rule

SV-258127r1155648_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-258127

Group Title

SRG-OS-000067-GPOS-00035

Rule Version

RHEL-09-611190

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000186 - For public key-based authentication, enforce authorized access to the corresponding private key.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Create a new private and public key pair that utilizes a passcode with the following command:

$ sudo ssh-keygen -N [passphrase]

Check Contents

Note: If the system administrator demonstrates the use of an approved alternate multifactor authentication method, this requirement is not applicable.

Verify the SSH private key files have a passcode.

For each private key stored on the system, use the following command:

$ sudo ssh-keygen -y -f /path/to/file

The expected output is a password prompt:
"Enter passphrase:"

If the password prompt is not displayed, and the contents of the key are displayed, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-258127

Documentable

False

Rule Version

RHEL-09-611190

Severity Override Guidance

Note: If the system administrator demonstrates the use of an approved alternate multifactor authentication method, this requirement is not applicable.

Verify the SSH private key files have a passcode.

For each private key stored on the system, use the following command:

$ sudo ssh-keygen -y -f /path/to/file

The expected output is a password prompt:
"Enter passphrase:"

If the password prompt is not displayed, and the contents of the key are displayed, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5551