macOS 26 - Tahoe
The macOS system must require a minimum password length of 14 characters
Description
The macOS must be configured to require that a minimum of 14 characters be used when a password is created.
This rule enforces password complexity by requiring users to set passwords that are less vulnerable to malicious users.
Note: The guidance for password-based authentication in NIST 800-53 (Rev 5) and NIST 800-63B states that complexity rules must be organizationally defined. The values defined are based on common complexity values, but each organization may define its own password complexity rules.
Check
Verify the macOS system is configured to enforce a minimum 14-character password length with the following command:
/usr/bin/pwpolicy -getaccountpolicies 2>/dev/null | tail +2 | grep -oE "policyAttributePassword matches '.\{[0-9]+," | awk -F'[{,]' -v ODV=14 '{if ($2 > max) max=$2} END {print (max >= ODV) ? "pass" : "fail"}'
If the result is not "true", this is a finding.
Fix
Configure the macOS system to enforce a 14-character password length by installing the "com.apple.mobiledevice.passwordpolicy" configuration profile.