STIGQter: STIG Summary: F5 NGINX Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 1 Benchmark Date: 25 Nov 2025:

The NGINX service account must be configured to lock changes to the password.

DISA Rule

SV-278408r1171976_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278408

Group Title

SRG-APP-000870

Rule Version

NGNX-APP-003040

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

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

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Lock the password for the NGINX user (if not already locked):

sudo passwd -l nginx

Check Contents

Determine path to NGINX config file(s):

nginx -qT | grep "# configuration"
# configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf:

Note: The default NGINX configuration is "/etc/nginx/nginx.conf", though various files may also be included.

Identify the NGINX runtime user:

grep -E '^\s*user\s+' /etc/nginx/nginx.conf

Expected output (example):

user nginx;

Confirm the password is locked:

passwd -S nginx

Expected output (example):

nginx LK 2025-05-21 -1 -1 -1 -1 (Password locked.)

If the NGINX runtime user account is not locked for password changes, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278408

Documentable

False

Rule Version

NGNX-APP-003040

Severity Override Guidance

Determine path to NGINX config file(s):

nginx -qT | grep "# configuration"
# configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf:

Note: The default NGINX configuration is "/etc/nginx/nginx.conf", though various files may also be included.

Identify the NGINX runtime user:

grep -E '^\s*user\s+' /etc/nginx/nginx.conf

Expected output (example):

user nginx;

Confirm the password is locked:

passwd -S nginx

Expected output (example):

nginx LK 2025-05-21 -1 -1 -1 -1 (Password locked.)

If the NGINX runtime user account is not locked for password changes, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5720