STIGQter: STIG Summary: Cloud Linux AlmaLinux OS 9 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

AlmaLinux OS 9 must enforce password complexity by requiring that at least one special character be used.

DISA Rule

SV-269390r1155274_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-269390

Group Title

SRG-OS-000266-GPOS-00101

Rule Version

ALMA-09-036320

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-004066 - For password-based authentication, enforce organization-defined composition and complexity rules.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure AlmaLinux OS 9 to enforce password complexity by requiring at least one special character be used by setting the "ocredit" option.

Add or update the following line in the "/etc/security/pwquality.conf" file or a configuration file in the "/etc/security/pwquality.conf.d/" directory:

ocredit = -1

Remove any configurations that conflict with the above value.

Check Contents

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 enforces password complexity by requiring at least one special character with the following command:

$ grep -r ocredit /etc/security/pwquality.conf*

/etc/security/pwquality.conf.d/stig.conf:ocredit = -1

If the value of "ocredit" is a positive number, is not set, is commented out, or if conflicting results are returned, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-269390

Documentable

False

Rule Version

ALMA-09-036320

Severity Override Guidance

Verify AlmaLinux OS 9 enforces password complexity by requiring at least one special character with the following command:

$ grep -r ocredit /etc/security/pwquality.conf*

/etc/security/pwquality.conf.d/stig.conf:ocredit = -1

If the value of "ocredit" is a positive number, is not set, is commented out, or if conflicting results are returned, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5664