AWSOverview
Password policies are, in part, used to enforce password complexity requirements. IAM password policies can be used to ensure passwords are at least a given length. It is recommended that the password policy require a minimum password length of 14.
Rationale
Setting a password complexity policy increases account resiliency against brute force login attempts.
Remediation guidance
Perform the following to set the password policy as prescribed: Via AWS Console
Via AWS Console
- Login to
AWS Console(with appropriate permissions to View Identity Access Management Account Settings) - Go to
IAM Serviceon the AWS Console - Click on
Account Settingson the Left Pane - Set
Minimum password lengthto14or greater. - Click
Apply password policy
Via CLI
aws iam update-account-password-policy --minimum-password-length 14
Note: All commands starting with aws iam update-account-password-policy can be combined into a single command.
References
- CCE-78907-3
- CIS CSC v6.0 #5.7, #16.12
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 requires a minimum length of 14 or greater
Connectors
Covered asset types
Expected check: eq []
iamPasswordPolicies(where:{minimumPasswordLength_LT:14}){...AssetFragment}
