AWSOverview
IAM password policies can prevent the reuse of a given password by the same user. It is recommended that the password policy prevent the reuse of passwords.
Rationale
Preventing password reuse increases account resiliency against brute force login attempts.
Remediation guidance
Perform the following to set the password policy as prescribed:
Via AWS Console
- Login to AWS Console (with appropriate permissions to View Identity Access Management Account Settings)
- Go to IAM Service on the AWS Console
- Click on Account Settings on the Left Pane
- Check "Prevent password reuse"
- Set "Number of passwords to remember" is set to 24
Via CLI
aws iam update-account-password-policy --password-reuse-prevention 24
Note: All commands starting with aws iam update-account-password-policy can be combined into a single command.
References
- CCE-78908-1
Service-wide remediation
Recommended when many resources are affected: fix the platform baseline first so new resources inherit the secure setting, then remediate the existing flagged resources in batches.
AWS
Use AWS Organizations guardrails, AWS Config rules or conformance packs where they fit, approved account baselines, and IaC modules so new resources inherit the secure setting.
Operational rollout
- Fix the baseline first at the account, subscription, project, cluster, or tenant scope that owns this control.
- Remediate the currently affected resources in batches, starting with internet-exposed and production assets.
- Re-scan and track approved exceptions with an owner and expiry date.
Query logic
These are the stored checks tied to this control.
IAM password policy prevents password reuse (24 times)
Connectors
Covered asset types
Expected check: eq []
iamPasswordPolicies(where:{passwordReusePrevention_LT:24}){...AssetFragment}
