Information
The operating system should enable a user session lock until that user re-establishes access using established identification and authentication procedures.
A session lock is a temporary action taken that locks the screen when a user stops work and moves away from the immediate physical vicinity of the information system but does not want to log out because of the temporary nature of the absence.
Rationale:
The screen lock should be implemented at the point where session activity can be determined.
Regardless of where the screen lock is determined and implemented, once invoked, the screen lock must remain in place until the user re-authenticates. No other activity aside from re-authentication must unlock the system.
Solution
Configure the operating system to enable a user's screen lock until that user re-establishes access using established identification and authentication procedures.
Create a database to contain the system-wide screensaver settings (if it does not already exist) with the following example:
# touch /etc/dconf/db/local.d/locks/00-screensaver
Edit the [org/gnome/desktop/screensaver] section of the database file and add or update the following lines:
Set this to true to lock the screen when the screensaver activates
[org/gnome/desktop/screensaver]
lock-enabled=true
Update the system databases:
# dconf update
Users must log out and back in again before the system-wide settings take effect.
Impact:
Users must log out and back in again before the system-wide settings take effect.
Notes:
This Benchmark recommendation maps to:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Security Technical Implementation Guide:
Version 2, Release: 3 Benchmark Date: 26 Apr 2019
Vul ID: V-71891
Rule ID: SV-86515r6_rule
STIG ID: RHEL-07-010060
Severity: CAT II