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

RHEL 9 must employ FIPS 140-3-approved cryptographic hashing algorithms for all stored passwords.

DISA Rule

SV-258231r1208790_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-258231

Group Title

SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Rule Version

RHEL-09-671015

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-004062 - For password-based authentication, store passwords using an approved salted key derivation function, preferably using a keyed hash.
• CCI-000803 - Implement mechanisms for authentication to a cryptographic module that meet the requirements of applicable laws, Executive Orders, directives, policies, regulations, standards, and guidance for such authentication.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Lock all interactive user accounts not using SHA-512 hashing until the passwords can be regenerated with SHA-512.

Check Contents

Verify the interactive user account passwords are using a strong password hash with the following command:

$ sudo cut -d: -f1,2 /etc/shadow
nsauser:$6$kcOnRq/5$NUEYPuyL.wghQwWssXRcLRFiiru7f5JPV6GaJhNC2aK5F3PZpE/BCCtwrxRc/AInKMNX3CdMw11m9STiql12f/

Password hashes "!" or "*" indicate inactive accounts not available for logon and are not evaluated.

If any interactive user password hash does not begin with "$6$", this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-258231

Documentable

False

Rule Version

RHEL-09-671015

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the interactive user account passwords are using a strong password hash with the following command:

$ sudo cut -d: -f1,2 /etc/shadow
nsauser:$6$kcOnRq/5$NUEYPuyL.wghQwWssXRcLRFiiru7f5JPV6GaJhNC2aK5F3PZpE/BCCtwrxRc/AInKMNX3CdMw11m9STiql12f/

Password hashes "!" or "*" indicate inactive accounts not available for logon and are not evaluated.

If any interactive user password hash does not begin with "$6$", this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5551