The IBM RACF PASSWORD(REVOKE) SETROPTS value must be set to automatically lock an account until the locked account is released by an administrator when three unsuccessful logon attempts occur.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-223696	RACF-ES-000490	SV-223696r853602_rule		Medium

Description
By limiting the number of failed logon attempts, the risk of unauthorized system access via user password guessing, otherwise known as brute-force attacks, is reduced. Limits are imposed by locking the account.

STIG	Date
IBM z/OS RACF Security Technical Implementation Guide	2023-06-13

Details

Check Text ( C-25369r514776_chk )
From the ISPF Command Shell enter: SETRopts List If the PASSWORD(REVOKE) value shows "AFTER CONSECUTIVE UNSUCCESSFUL PASSWORD ATTEMPTS, A USERID WILL BE REVOKED." where is either "1" or "2", this is not a finding. If the PASSWORD(REVOKE) value is not enabled and is not set to either "1" or "2", this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-25357r853601_fix)
Ensure that PASSWORD(REVOKE) SETROPTS value is set to "1" or "2". This specifies the number of consecutive incorrect password attempts RACF allows before it revokes the USERID on the next incorrect attempt. If REVOKE is specified, ensure INITSTATS are in effect. Evaluate the impact associated with implementation of the control option. Develop a plan of action to implement the control option as specified in the example below: The RACF Command SETR LIST will show the status of RACF Controls including PASSWORD REVOKE. Set the password REVOKE to "2" invalid attempts activated with the command SETR PASSWORD(REVOKE(2)).

Fix Text (F-25357r853601_fix)

Ensure that PASSWORD(REVOKE) SETROPTS value is set to "1" or "2". This specifies the number of consecutive incorrect password attempts RACF allows before it revokes the USERID on the next incorrect attempt. If REVOKE is specified, ensure INITSTATS are in effect.

Evaluate the impact associated with implementation of the control option. Develop a plan of action to implement the control option as specified in the example below:

The RACF Command SETR LIST will show the status of RACF Controls including PASSWORD REVOKE.

Set the password REVOKE to "2" invalid attempts activated with the command SETR PASSWORD(REVOKE(2)).