KB.15.15

Restrictions for the setmib command

Usernames and passwords can be set using the CLI command setmib. They cannot be set using

SNMP.

• Quotes are permitted for enclosing other characters, for example, a username or password

of abcd can be enclosed in quotes “abcd” without the quotes becoming part of the username

or password itself. Quotes can also be inserted between other characters of a username or

password, for example, ab”cd. A pair of quotes enclosing characters followed by any

additional characters is invalid, for example, “abc”d.

• Spaces are allowed in usernames and passwords. The username or password must be enclosed

in quotes, for example, “one two three”. A blank space or spaces between quotes is allowed,

for example, “ ”.

Additional restrictions

Some authentication servers prevent the usage of special symbols such as the backslash (\) and

quotes (“”). The switch allows the use of these symbols in configurable credentials, but using them

can limit access for some users who can use different client software. See the vendor’s documentation

for specific information about these restrictions.

Upgrading or downgrading software versions implications for passwords

When you update software from a version that does not support long passwords to a version that

supports long passwords, the existing usernames and passwords continue to be there and no further

action is required.

Before downgrading to a software version that does not include this feature, use one of the following

procedures:

1. Reset the username and/or password to be no more than 16 characters in length, without

using any special characters, from the CLI command password.

• Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials

feature has ever been enabled.)

HP Switch(config)# password manager

New password: ********

Please retype new password: *******

HP Switch(config)# write mem

2. Execute the CLI command [no] password all. This clears all the passwords.

• Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials

feature has ever been enabled.)

HP Switch(config)# no password all

Password protections will be deleted, do you want to

continue [y/n]? y

HP Switch(config)# write mem

3. Clear the password by using the [Clear] button on the switch.

• Execute a CLI write memory command (required if the include-credentials

feature has ever been enabled.)

Creating password security 25