Enable Smart Card Logins in PAM

Description

This requirement only applies to components where this is specific to the function of the device or has the concept of an organizational user (e.g., VPN, proxy capability). This does not apply to authentication for the purpose of configuring the device itself (management). Add or update the following line in /etc/pam.d/common-auth, placing it above any lines containing pam_unix.so:

auth    [success=2 default=ignore] pam_pkcs11.so 

For general information about enabling smart card authentication, consult the documentation at:

• https://pages.ubuntu.com/rs/066-EOV-335/images/SmartCardLogin_WhitePapaer_04.03.20.pdf

Rationale

Smart card login provides two-factor authentication stronger than that provided by a username and password combination. Smart cards leverage PKI (public key infrastructure) in order to provide and verify credentials. Using an authentication device, such as a CAC or token that is separate from the information system, ensures that even if the information system is compromised, that compromise will not affect credentials stored on the authentication device. Multifactor solutions that require devices separate from information systems gaining access include, for example, hardware tokens providing time-based or challenge-response authenticators and smart cards such as the U.S. Government Personal Identity Verification card and the DoD Common Access Card.