Solaris 11 shows "Unexpected failure. Password file/table unchanged" when using passwd command (4285104)

Solaris 11 shows "Unexpected failure. Password file/table unchanged" when using passwd command

When running the passwd command against a local user on Solaris 11 the following error occurs:
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root@server1:~# passwd localuser
New Password:
Unexpected failure. Password file/table unchanged.
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Possible Operating system configuration error in /etc/default/passwd file.

Check the entries in the following file:
/etc/default/passwd

Note that the MINNONALPHA option cannot be used at the same time as MINSPECIAL or MINDIGIT:
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The above example would cause the error to occur as both MINNONALPHA and MINDIGIT are configured.

Comment out either the MINNONALPHA or both MINDIGIT & MINSPECIAL entries to resolve.


Note that if the above configuration is the cause of the issue then you may also see the following error message in the /var/log/authlog file:
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Nov 18 16:34:33 server01 syslog[25976]: [ID 978052 auth.error] pam_authtok_check: /etc/default/passwd contains definition for MINNONALPHA and for MINDIGIT. These options are mutually exclusive.
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Note that this is an operating system configuration issue and not Authentication services. This advice has been provided as a courtesy and other causes of this issue will exist.