Search filters the loaded procedure list locally. Separate terms must all match (use quotes for an exact phrase). Cached STIG Search results apply when you arrive from Search.
Objective ID
Severity
Discussion
V-102615
medium
A known vulnerability in Windows could allow the execution of malicious code by either opening a compromised document or viewing it in the Windows Preview pane.
Organizations must disable the Windows Preview pane and Windows Detail pane.
Organizations must disable the Windows Preview pane and Windows Detail pane.
V-1070
medium
Inadequate physical protection can undermine all other security precautions utilized to protect the system. This can jeopardize the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the system. Physical security is the first line of protection of any system.
V-1072
medium
Shared accounts (accounts where two or more people log on with the same user identification) do not provide adequate identification and authentication. There is no way to provide for non-repudiation or individual accountability for system access and resource usage. Documentation must include a list of personnel that have access to each shared account.
V-1073
high
Systems at unsupported versions or releases of an operating system will not receive security updates for new vulnerabilities which leaves them subject to exploitation. Systems must be maintained at a version of the operating system supported by the vendor with new security updates.
V-1074
high
Malicious software can establish a base on individual desktops and servers. Employing an automated mechanism to detect this type of software will aid in elimination of the software from the operating system.
V-1075
low
Preventing display of the shutdown button in the logon dialog box may encourage a hard shut down with the power button. (However, displaying the shutdown button may allow individuals to shut down a system anonymously.)
V-1076
low
Recovery of a damaged or compromised system in a timely manner is difficult without a system information backup. A system backup will usually include sensitive information such as user accounts that could be used in an attack. As a valuable system resource, the system backup must be protected and stored in a physically secure location.
V-1081
high
The ability to set access permissions and auditing is critical to maintaining the security and proper access controls of a system. To support this, volumes must be formatted using the NTFS file system.
V-1089
medium
Failure to display the logon banner prior to a logon attempt will negate legal proceedings resulting from unauthorized access to system resources.
V-1090
low
The default Windows configuration caches the last logon credentials for users who log on interactively to a system. This feature is provided for system availability reasons, such as the user's machine being disconnected from the network or domain controllers being unavailable. Even though the credential cache is well-protected, if a system is attacked, an unauthorized individual may isolate the password to a domain user account using a password-cracking program and gain access to the domain.
V-1093
high
Allowing anonymous logon users (null session connections) to list all account names and enumerate all shared resources can provide a map of potential points to attack the system.
V-1097
medium
The account lockout feature, when enabled, prevents brute-force password attacks on the system. The higher this value is, the less effective the account lockout feature will be in protecting the local system. The number of bad logon attempts must be reasonably small to minimize the possibility of a successful password attack, while allowing for honest errors made during a normal user logon.
V-1098
medium
The account lockout feature, when enabled, prevents brute-force password attacks on the system. This parameter specifies the period of time that must pass after failed logon attempts before the counter is reset to "0". The smaller this value is, the less effective the account lockout feature will be in protecting the local system.
V-1099
medium
The account lockout feature, when enabled, prevents brute-force password attacks on the system. This parameter specifies the amount of time that an account will remain locked after the specified number of failed logon attempts.
V-1102
high
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Act as part of the operating system" user right can assume the identity of any user and gain access to resources that user is authorized to access. Any accounts with this right can take complete control of a system.
Accounts with the "Act as part of the operating system" user right can assume the identity of any user and gain access to resources that user is authorized to access. Any accounts with this right can take complete control of a system.
V-1104
medium
The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the passwords. Scheduled changing of passwords hinders the ability of unauthorized system users to crack passwords and gain access to a system.
V-1105
medium
Permitting passwords to be changed in immediate succession within the same day allows users to cycle passwords through their history database. This enables users to effectively negate the purpose of mandating periodic password changes.
V-1107
medium
A system is more vulnerable to unauthorized access when system users recycle the same password several times without being required to change a password to a unique password on a regularly scheduled basis. This enables users to effectively negate the purpose of mandating periodic password changes. The default value is 24 for Windows domain systems. DoD has decided this is the appropriate value for all Windows systems.
V-1112
low
Outdated or unused accounts provide penetration points that may go undetected. Inactive accounts must be deleted if no longer necessary or, if still required, disable until needed.
V-1113
medium
A system faces an increased vulnerability threat if the built-in guest account is not disabled. This account is a known account that exists on all Windows systems and cannot be deleted. This account is initialized during the installation of the operating system with no password assigned.
V-1114
medium
The built-in guest account is a well known user account on all Windows systems and, as initially installed, does not require a password. This can allow access to system resources by unauthorized users. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system.
V-1115
medium
The built-in administrator account is a well-known account subject to attack. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system.
V-1119
medium
Allowing other operating systems to run on a secure system may allow security to be circumvented.
V-1127
high
An account that does not have Administrator duties must not have Administrator rights. Such rights would allow the account to bypass or modify required security restrictions on that machine and make it vulnerable to attack.
System administrators must log on to systems only using accounts with the minimum level of authority necessary.
For domain-joined workstations, the Domain Admins group must be replaced by a domain workstation administrator group (see V-36434 in the Active Directory Domain STIG). Restricting highly privileged accounts from the local Administrators group helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation resulting from credential theft attacks.
Systems dedicated to the management of Active Directory (AD admin platforms, see V-36436 in the Active Directory Domain STIG) are exempt from this. AD admin platforms may use the Domain Admins group or a domain administrative group created specifically for AD admin platforms (see V-43711 in the Active Directory Domain STIG).
Standard user accounts must not be members of the local administrators group.
System administrators must log on to systems only using accounts with the minimum level of authority necessary.
For domain-joined workstations, the Domain Admins group must be replaced by a domain workstation administrator group (see V-36434 in the Active Directory Domain STIG). Restricting highly privileged accounts from the local Administrators group helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation resulting from credential theft attacks.
Systems dedicated to the management of Active Directory (AD admin platforms, see V-36436 in the Active Directory Domain STIG) are exempt from this. AD admin platforms may use the Domain Admins group or a domain administrative group created specifically for AD admin platforms (see V-43711 in the Active Directory Domain STIG).
Standard user accounts must not be members of the local administrators group.
V-1128
low
Security configuration tools such as Group Policies and Security Templates allow system administrators to consolidate security-related system settings into a single configuration file. These settings can then be applied consistently to any number of Windows machines.
V-1130
medium
Changing the system's file and directory permissions allows the possibility of unauthorized and anonymous modification to the operating system and installed applications.
V-1136
low
Users must not be permitted to remain logged on to the network after they have exceeded their permitted logon hours. In many cases, this indicates that a user forgot to log off before leaving for the day. However, it may also indicate that a user is attempting unauthorized access at a time when the system may be less closely monitored. Forcibly disconnecting users when logon hours expire protects critical and sensitive network data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-1141
medium
Some non-Microsoft SMB servers only support unencrypted (plain text) password authentication. Sending plain text passwords across the network, when authenticating to an SMB server, reduces the overall security of the environment. Check with the vendor of the SMB server to see if there is a way to support encrypted password authentication.
V-1145
medium
Allowing a system to automatically log on when the machine is booted could give access to any unauthorized individual who restarts the computer. Automatic logon with administrator privileges would give full access to an unauthorized individual.
V-1148
low
To minimize potential points of attack, local users, other than built-in accounts such as Administrator and Guest accounts, must not exist on a workstation in a domain. Users must log onto workstations in a domain with their domain accounts.
V-1150
medium
The use of complex passwords increases their strength against attack. The built-in Windows password complexity policy requires passwords to contain at least 3 of the 4 types of characters (numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special characters), as well as preventing the inclusion of user names or parts of.
V-1152
high
The registry is integral to the function, security, and stability of the Windows system. Some processes may require anonymous access to the registry. This must be limited to properly protect the system.
V-1153
high
The Kerberos v5 authentication protocol is the default for authentication of users who are logging on to domain accounts. NTLM which is less secure, is retained in later Windows versions for compatibility with clients and servers that are running earlier versions of Windows or applications that still use it. It is also used to authenticate logons to stand-alone computers that are running later versions.
V-1154
medium
Disabling the Ctrl+Alt+Del security attention sequence can compromise system security. Because only Windows responds to the Ctrl+Alt+Del security sequence, you can be assured that any passwords you enter following that sequence are sent only to Windows. If you eliminate the sequence requirement, malicious programs can request and receive your Windows password. Disabling this sequence also suppresses a custom logon banner.
V-1155
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Deny access to this computer from the network" right defines the accounts that are prevented from logging on from the network.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Local accounts on domain-joined systems must also be assigned this right to decrease the risk of lateral movement resulting from credential theft attacks.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
The "Deny access to this computer from the network" right defines the accounts that are prevented from logging on from the network.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Local accounts on domain-joined systems must also be assigned this right to decrease the risk of lateral movement resulting from credential theft attacks.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
V-1157
medium
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and must be locked. Configuring a system to lock when a smart card is removed will ensure the system is inaccessible when unattended.
V-1162
medium
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB server will negotiate SMB packet signing as requested by the client.
V-1163
medium
Requests sent on the secure channel are authenticated, and sensitive information (such as passwords) is encrypted, but not all information is encrypted. If this policy is enabled, outgoing secure channel traffic will be encrypted.
V-1164
medium
Requests sent on the secure channel are authenticated, and sensitive information (such as passwords) is encrypted, but the channel is not integrity checked. If this policy is enabled, outgoing secure channel traffic will be signed.
V-1165
low
Computer account passwords are changed automatically on a regular basis. Disabling automatic password changes can make the system more vulnerable to malicious access. Frequent password changes can be a significant safeguard for your system. A new password for the computer account will be generated every 30 days.
V-1166
medium
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. If this policy is enabled, the SMB client will request packet signing when communicating with an SMB server that is enabled or required to perform SMB packet signing.
V-1168
medium
Backup Operators are able to read and write to any file in the system, regardless of the rights assigned to it. Backup and restore rights permit users to circumvent the file access restrictions present on NTFS disk drives for backup and restore purposes. Members of the Backup Operators group must have separate logon accounts for performing backup duties.
V-1171
medium
Removable hard drives can be formatted and ejected by others who are not members of the Administrators Group, if they are not properly configured. Formatting and ejecting removable NTFS media must only be done by administrators.
V-1172
low
Creating strong passwords that can be remembered by users requires some thought. By giving the user advance warning, the user has time to construct a sufficiently strong password. This setting configures the system to display a warning to users telling them how many days are left before their password expires.
V-1173
low
Windows systems maintain a global list of shared system resources such as DOS device names, mutexes, and semaphores. Each type of object is created with a default DACL that specifies who can access the objects with what permissions. If this policy is enabled, the default DACL is stronger, allowing non-admin users to read shared objects, but not modify shared objects that they did not create.
V-1174
low
Open sessions can increase the avenues of attack on a system. This setting is used to control when a computer disconnects an inactive SMB session. If client activity resumes, the session is automatically re-established. This protects critical and sensitive network data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-11806
low
Displaying the username of the last logged on user provides half of the userid/password equation that an unauthorized person would need to gain access. The username of the last user to log onto a system must not be displayed.
V-14224
medium
The built-in administrator account, as a well known account subject to attack, is disabled by default and per STIG requirements. Domain administrative accounts on domain-joined systems should provide sufficient availability for administering a system. A site with limited administrators must ensure they have a contingency for administering a non-domain system.
V-14225
medium
The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the passwords. Passwords for the default and emergency administrator accounts must be changed at least annually or when any member of the administrative team leaves the organization.
V-14228
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
This setting prevents the system from setting up a default system access control list for certain system objects, which could create a very large number of security events, filling the security log in Windows and making it difficult to identify actual issues.
This setting prevents the system from setting up a default system access control list for certain system objects, which could create a very large number of security events, filling the security log in Windows and making it difficult to identify actual issues.
V-14229
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
This setting prevents the system from generating audit events for every file backed up or restored which could fill the security log in Windows, making it difficult to identify actual issues.
This setting prevents the system from generating audit events for every file backed up or restored which could fill the security log in Windows, making it difficult to identify actual issues.
V-14230
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
This setting allows administrators to enable more precise auditing capabilities.
This setting allows administrators to enable more precise auditing capabilities.
V-14231
low
Identifying the computer name on a network could provide an attacker with information useful in gaining access. This setting prevents the computer name from displaying in the browse list.
V-14232
low
IPSec exemption filters allow specific traffic that may be needed by the system for such things as Kerberos authentication. This setting configures Windows for specific IPSec exemptions.
V-14234
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures the built-in Administrator account so that it runs in Admin Approval Mode.
V-14235
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures the elevation requirements for logged on administrators to complete a task that requires raised privileges.
V-14236
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. Denying elevation requests from standard user accounts requires tasks that need elevation to be initiated by accounts with administrative privileges. This prevents privileged account credentials from being cached with standard user profile information to help mitigate credential theft.
V-14237
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting requires Windows to respond to application installation requests by prompting for credentials.
V-14239
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures Windows to only allow applications installed in a secure location on the file system, such as the Program Files or the Windows\System32 folders, to run with elevated privileges.
V-14240
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting enables UAC.
V-14241
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting ensures that the elevation prompt is only used in secure desktop mode.
V-14242
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures non-UAC compliant applications to run in virtualized file and registry entries in per-user locations, allowing them to run.
V-14243
medium
Enumeration of administrator accounts when elevating can provide part of the logon information to an unauthorized user. This setting configures the system to always require users to type in a username and password to elevate a running application.
V-14247
medium
Saving passwords in the Remote Desktop Client could allow an unauthorized user to establish a remote desktop session to another system. The system must be configured to prevent users from saving passwords in the Remote Desktop Client.
V-14248
medium
Allowing a remote desktop session to a workstation enables another avenue of access that could be exploited. The system must be configured to prevent users from connecting to a computer using Remote Desktop Services.
V-14249
medium
Preventing users from sharing the local drives on their client computers to Remote Session Hosts that they access helps reduce possible exposure of sensitive data.
V-14253
medium
Configuring RPC to restrict unauthenticated RPC clients from connecting to the RPC server will prevent anonymous connections.
V-14256
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents Windows from downloading a list of providers for the Web publishing and online ordering wizards.
This setting prevents Windows from downloading a list of providers for the Web publishing and online ordering wizards.
V-14259
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents the client computer from printing over HTTP, which allows the computer to print to printers on the intranet as well as the Internet.
This setting prevents the client computer from printing over HTTP, which allows the computer to print to printers on the intranet as well as the Internet.
V-14260
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents the computer from downloading print driver packages over HTTP.
This setting prevents the computer from downloading print driver packages over HTTP.
V-14261
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents Windows from searching Windows Update for device drivers when no local drivers for a device are present.
This setting prevents Windows from searching Windows Update for device drivers when no local drivers for a device are present.
V-14268
medium
Preserving zone of origin (internet, intranet, local, restricted) information on file attachments allows Windows to determine risk.
V-14269
medium
Preserving zone of origin (internet, intranet, local, restricted) information on file attachments allows Windows to determine risk. This setting prevents users from manually removing zone information from saved file attachments.
V-14270
medium
Attaching malicious files is a known avenue of attack. This setting configures the system to notify antivirus programs when a user opens a file attachment.
V-15505
medium
The McAfee Agent is the client side distributed component of McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (McAfee ePO) which provides a secure communication channel between the ePO server and managed point products.
V-15666
medium
Peer-to-Peer applications can allow unauthorized access to a system and exposure of sensitive data. This setting will turn off the Microsoft Peer-to-Peer Networking Service.
V-15667
medium
A Network Bridge can connect two or more network segments allowing unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive data. This setting prevents a Network Bridge from being installed and configured.
V-15672
low
Viewing events is a function of administrators, who must not access the internet with privileged accounts. This setting will disable Events.asp hyperlinks in Event Viewer to prevent links to the internet from within events.
V-15674
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents unhandled file associations from using the Microsoft Web service to find an application.
This setting prevents unhandled file associations from using the Microsoft Web service to find an application.
V-15676
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting ensures the "Order Prints Online" task is not available in File Explorer.
This setting ensures the "Order Prints Online" task is not available in File Explorer.
V-15680
low
The classic logon screen requires users to enter a logon name and password to access a system. The simple logon screen or Welcome screen displays usernames for selection, providing part of the necessary logon information.
V-15682
medium
Attachments from RSS feeds may not be secure. This setting will prevent attachments from being downloaded from RSS feeds.
V-15683
medium
The shell protocol will limit the set of folders applications can open when run in protected mode. Restricting files an application can open, to a limited set of folders, increases the security of Windows.
V-15684
medium
Users must be aware of attempted program installations. This setting ensures users are notified if a web-based program attempts to install software.
V-15685
medium
Installation options for applications are typically controlled by administrators. This setting prevents users from changing installation options that may bypass security features.
V-15686
low
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. This setting will prevent users from applying vendor-signed updates (though they may be from a trusted source).
V-15687
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents users from being presented with Privacy and Installation options on first use of Windows Media Player which could enable some communication with the vendor.
This setting prevents users from being presented with Privacy and Installation options on first use of Windows Media Player which could enable some communication with the vendor.
V-15696
medium
The Mapper I/O network protocol (LLTDIO) driver allows the discovery of the connected network and allows various options to be enabled. Disabling this helps protect the system from potentially discovering and connecting to unauthorized devices.
V-15697
medium
The Responder network protocol driver allows a computer to be discovered and located on a network. Disabling this helps protect the system from potentially being discovered and connected to by unauthorized devices.
V-15698
medium
Windows Connect Now allows the discovery and configuration of devices over wireless. Wireless devices must be managed. If a rogue device is connected to a system, there is potential for sensitive information to be compromised.
V-15699
medium
Windows Connect Now provides wizards for tasks such as "Set up a wireless router or access point" and must not be available to users. Functions such as these may allow unauthorized connections to a system and the potential for sensitive information to be compromised.
V-15700
medium
Remote access to the Plug and Play interface could potentially allow connections by unauthorized devices. This setting configures remote access to the Plug and Play interface and must be disabled.
V-15701
low
A system restore point allows a rollback if an issue is encountered when a new device driver is installed.
V-15702
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents an error report from being sent when a generic device driver is installed.
This setting prevents an error report from being sent when a generic device driver is installed.
V-15703
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents users from being prompted to search Windows Update for device drivers.
This setting prevents users from being prompted to search Windows Update for device drivers.
V-15704
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents errors in handwriting recognition on tablet PCs from being reported to Microsoft.
This setting prevents errors in handwriting recognition on tablet PCs from being reported to Microsoft.
V-15705
medium
Authentication must always be required when accessing a system. This setting ensures the user is prompted for a password on resume from sleep (on battery).
V-15706
medium
Authentication must always be required when accessing a system. This setting ensures the user is prompted for a password on resume from sleep (plugged in).
V-15707
low
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. This setting will turn on session logging for Remote Assistance connections.
V-15709
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents game information from being downloaded from Windows Metadata Services.
This setting prevents game information from being downloaded from Windows Metadata Services.
V-15711
medium
Indexing of encrypted files may expose sensitive data. This setting prevents encrypted files from being indexed.
V-15712
low
Indexing of encrypted items may expose sensitive data. This setting prevents mail items in a Microsoft Exchange folder from being indexed when Outlook is running in uncached mode.
V-15713
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system. This setting disables Microsoft Active Protection Service membership and reporting.
V-15718
low
Legacy plug-in applications may continue to function when a File Explorer session has become corrupt. Disabling this feature will prevent this.
V-15722
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This check verifies that Windows Media DRM will be prevented from accessing the Internet.
This check verifies that Windows Media DRM will be prevented from accessing the Internet.
V-15727
medium
Allowing users to share files in their profiles may provide unauthorized access or result in the exposure of sensitive data.
V-15823
medium
Use of software certificates and their accompanying installation files for end users to access resources is less secure than the use of hardware-based certificates.
V-16008
medium
User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures whether Windows elevates all applications, not just signed ones.
V-16020
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting ensures the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program is disabled so information is not passed to the vendor.
This setting ensures the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program is disabled so information is not passed to the vendor.
V-16021
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting ensures the Windows Help Experience Improvement Program is disabled to prevent information from being passed to the vendor.
This setting ensures the Windows Help Experience Improvement Program is disabled to prevent information from being passed to the vendor.
V-16047
medium
The built-in administrator account is a well-known account subject to attack. It also provides no accountability to individual administrators on a system. It must be disabled to prevent its use.
V-16048
medium
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting ensures users cannot provide ratings feedback to Microsoft for Help content.
This setting ensures users cannot provide ratings feedback to Microsoft for Help content.
V-18010
high
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Debug Programs" user right can attach a debugger to any process or to the kernel, providing complete access to sensitive and critical operating system components. This right is given to Administrators in the default configuration.
Accounts with the "Debug Programs" user right can attach a debugger to any process or to the kernel, providing complete access to sensitive and critical operating system components. This right is given to Administrators in the default configuration.
V-21950
medium
If a service principle name (SPN) is provided by the client, it is validated against the server's list of SPNs, aiding in the prevention of spoofing.
V-21951
medium
Services using Local System that use Negotiate when reverting to NTLM authentication may gain unauthorized access if allowed to authenticate anonymously vs. using the computer identity.
V-21952
medium
NTLM sessions that are allowed to fall back to Null (unauthenticated) sessions may gain unauthorized access.
V-21953
medium
PKU2U is a peer-to-peer authentication protocol. This setting prevents online identities from authenticating to domain-joined systems. Authentication will be centrally managed with Windows user accounts.
V-21954
medium
Certain encryption types are no longer considered secure. This setting configures a minimum encryption type for Kerberos, preventing the use of the DES encryption suites.
V-21955
low
Configuring the system to disable IPv6 source routing protects against spoofing.
V-21956
low
Configuring Windows to limit the number of times that IPv6 TCP retransmits unacknowledged data segments before aborting the attempt helps prevent resources from becoming exhausted.
V-21960
low
Selecting an incorrect network location may allow greater exposure of a system. Elevation is required by default on non-domain systems to change network location. This setting configures elevation to also be required on domain-joined systems.
V-21961
low
Routing all Direct Access traffic through the internal network allows monitoring and prevents split tunneling.
V-21963
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent Windows from searching Windows Update for point and print drivers. Only the local driver store and server driver cache will be searched.
This setting will prevent Windows from searching Windows Update for point and print drivers. Only the local driver store and server driver cache will be searched.
V-21964
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent Windows from retrieving device metadata from the Internet.
This setting will prevent Windows from retrieving device metadata from the Internet.
V-21965
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent the system from searching Windows Update for device drivers.
This setting will prevent the system from searching Windows Update for device drivers.
V-21966
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents data from the handwriting recognition personalization tool being shared with Microsoft.
This setting prevents data from the handwriting recognition personalization tool being shared with Microsoft.
V-21967
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents the MSDT from communicating with and sending collected data to Microsoft, the default support provider.
This setting prevents the MSDT from communicating with and sending collected data to Microsoft, the default support provider.
V-21969
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents users from searching troubleshooting content on Microsoft servers. Only local content will be available.
This setting prevents users from searching troubleshooting content on Microsoft servers. Only local content will be available.
V-21970
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting prevents responsiveness events from being aggregated and sent to Microsoft.
This setting prevents responsiveness events from being aggregated and sent to Microsoft.
V-21971
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent the Program Inventory from collecting data about a system and sending the information to Microsoft.
This setting will prevent the Program Inventory from collecting data about a system and sending the information to Microsoft.
V-21973
high
Allowing autoplay to execute may introduce malicious code to a system. Autoplay begins reading from a drive as soon as you insert media in the drive. As a result, the setup file of programs or music on audio media may start. This setting will disable autoplay for non-volume devices (such as Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) devices).
V-21974
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent the system from downloading game update information from Windows Metadata Services.
This setting will prevent the system from downloading game update information from Windows Metadata Services.
V-21975
medium
Homegroups are a method of sharing data and printers on a home network. This setting will prevent a system from being joined to a homegroup.
V-21980
medium
Data Execution Prevention (DEP) provides additional protection by performing checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running. This setting will prevent Data Execution Prevention from being turned off for File Explorer.
V-22692
high
Allowing autorun commands to execute may introduce malicious code to a system. Configuring this setting prevents autorun commands from executing.
V-2372
high
Storing passwords using reversible encryption is essentially the same as storing clear-text versions of the passwords. For this reason, this policy must never be enabled.
V-2374
high
Allowing autoplay to execute may introduce malicious code to a system. Autoplay begins reading from a drive as soon as you insert media in the drive. As a result, the setup file of programs or music on audio media may start. By default, autoplay is disabled on removable drives, such as the floppy disk drive (but not the CD-ROM drive) and on network drives. If you enable this policy, you can also disable autoplay on all drives.
V-26070
high
Permissions on the Winlogon registry key must only allow privileged accounts to change registry values. If standard users have this capability, there is a potential for programs to run with elevated privileges when a privileged user logs on to the system.
V-26283
high
Anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts allows anonymous log on users (null session connections) to list all accounts names, thus providing a list of potential points to attack the system.
V-26359
low
Failure to display the logon banner prior to a logon attempt will negate legal proceedings resulting from unauthorized access to system resources.
V-26469
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Access Credential Manager as a trusted caller" user right may be able to retrieve the credentials of other accounts from Credential Manager.
Accounts with the "Access Credential Manager as a trusted caller" user right may be able to retrieve the credentials of other accounts from Credential Manager.
V-26470
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Access this computer from the network" user right may access resources on the system, and must be limited to those that require it.
Accounts with the "Access this computer from the network" user right may access resources on the system, and must be limited to those that require it.
V-26472
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Allow log on locally" user right can log on interactively to a system.
Accounts with the "Allow log on locally" user right can log on interactively to a system.
V-26473
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services" user right can access a system through Remote Desktop.
Accounts with the "Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services" user right can access a system through Remote Desktop.
V-26474
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Back up files and directories" user right can circumvent file and directory permissions and could allow access to sensitive data."
Accounts with the "Back up files and directories" user right can circumvent file and directory permissions and could allow access to sensitive data."
V-26476
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Change the system time" user right can change the system time, which can impact authentication, as well as affect time stamps on event log entries.
Accounts with the "Change the system time" user right can change the system time, which can impact authentication, as well as affect time stamps on event log entries.
V-26478
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Create a pagefile" user right can change the size of a pagefile, which could affect system performance.
Accounts with the "Create a pagefile" user right can change the size of a pagefile, which could affect system performance.
V-26479
high
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Create a token object" user right allows a process to create an access token. This could be used to provide elevated rights and compromise a system.
The "Create a token object" user right allows a process to create an access token. This could be used to provide elevated rights and compromise a system.
V-26480
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Create global objects" user right can create objects that are available to all sessions, which could affect processes in other users' sessions.
Accounts with the "Create global objects" user right can create objects that are available to all sessions, which could affect processes in other users' sessions.
V-26481
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Create permanent shared objects" user right could expose sensitive data by creating shared objects.
Accounts with the "Create permanent shared objects" user right could expose sensitive data by creating shared objects.
V-26482
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Create symbolic links" user right can create pointers to other objects, which could potentially expose the system to attack.
Accounts with the "Create symbolic links" user right can create pointers to other objects, which could potentially expose the system to attack.
V-26483
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Deny log on as a batch job" right defines accounts that are prevented from logging on to the system as a batch job, such as Task Scheduler.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
The Guests group must be assigned to prevent unauthenticated access.
The "Deny log on as a batch job" right defines accounts that are prevented from logging on to the system as a batch job, such as Task Scheduler.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
The Guests group must be assigned to prevent unauthenticated access.
V-26484
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Deny log on as a service" right defines accounts that are denied log on as a service.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Incorrect configurations could prevent services from starting and result in a DoS.
The "Deny log on as a service" right defines accounts that are denied log on as a service.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Incorrect configurations could prevent services from starting and result in a DoS.
V-26485
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Deny log on locally" right defines accounts that are prevented from logging on interactively.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
The "Deny log on locally" right defines accounts that are prevented from logging on interactively.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
V-26486
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services" right defines the accounts that are prevented from logging on using Remote Desktop Services.
If Remote Desktop Services is not used by the organization, the Everyone group must be assigned this right to prevent all access.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Local accounts on domain-joined systems must also be assigned this right to decrease the risk of lateral movement resulting from credential theft attacks.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
The "Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services" right defines the accounts that are prevented from logging on using Remote Desktop Services.
If Remote Desktop Services is not used by the organization, the Everyone group must be assigned this right to prevent all access.
In an Active Directory Domain, denying logons to the Enterprise Admins and Domain Admins groups on lower trust systems helps mitigate the risk of privilege escalation from credential theft attacks which could lead to the compromise of an entire domain.
Local accounts on domain-joined systems must also be assigned this right to decrease the risk of lateral movement resulting from credential theft attacks.
The Guests group must be assigned this right to prevent unauthenticated access.
V-26487
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation" user right allows the "Trusted for Delegation" setting to be changed. This could potentially allow unauthorized users to impersonate other users.
The "Enable computer and user accounts to be trusted for delegation" user right allows the "Trusted for Delegation" setting to be changed. This could potentially allow unauthorized users to impersonate other users.
V-26488
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Force shutdown from a remote system" user right can remotely shut down a system which could result in a DoS.
Accounts with the "Force shutdown from a remote system" user right can remotely shut down a system which could result in a DoS.
V-26489
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Generate security audits" user right specifies users and processes that can generate Security Log audit records, which must only be the system service accounts defined.
The "Generate security audits" user right specifies users and processes that can generate Security Log audit records, which must only be the system service accounts defined.
V-26490
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right allows a program to impersonate another user or account to run on their behalf. An attacker could potentially use this to elevate privileges.
The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right allows a program to impersonate another user or account to run on their behalf. An attacker could potentially use this to elevate privileges.
V-26492
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Increase scheduling priority" user right can change a scheduling priority causing performance issues or a DoS.
Accounts with the "Increase scheduling priority" user right can change a scheduling priority causing performance issues or a DoS.
V-26493
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Load and unload device drivers" user right allows device drivers to dynamically be loaded on a system by a user. This could potentially be used to install malicious code by an attacker.
The "Load and unload device drivers" user right allows device drivers to dynamically be loaded on a system by a user. This could potentially be used to install malicious code by an attacker.
V-26494
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Lock pages in memory" user right allows physical memory to be assigned to processes, which could cause performance issues or a DoS.
The "Lock pages in memory" user right allows physical memory to be assigned to processes, which could cause performance issues or a DoS.
V-26496
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Manage auditing and security log" user right can manage the security log and change auditing configurations. This could be used to clear evidence of tampering.
Accounts with the "Manage auditing and security log" user right can manage the security log and change auditing configurations. This could be used to clear evidence of tampering.
V-26497
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Modify an object label" user right can change the integrity label of an object. This could potentially be used to execute code at a higher privilege.
Accounts with the "Modify an object label" user right can change the integrity label of an object. This could potentially be used to execute code at a higher privilege.
V-26498
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Modify firmware environment values" user right can change hardware configuration environment variables. This could result in hardware failures or a DoS.
Accounts with the "Modify firmware environment values" user right can change hardware configuration environment variables. This could result in hardware failures or a DoS.
V-26499
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Perform volume maintenance tasks" user right can manage volume and disk configurations. They could potentially delete volumes, resulting in, data loss or a DoS.
Accounts with the "Perform volume maintenance tasks" user right can manage volume and disk configurations. They could potentially delete volumes, resulting in, data loss or a DoS.
V-26500
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Profile single process" user right can monitor non-system processes performance. An attacker could potentially use this to identify processes to attack.
Accounts with the "Profile single process" user right can monitor non-system processes performance. An attacker could potentially use this to identify processes to attack.
V-26501
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Profile system performance" user right can monitor system processes performance. An attacker could potentially use this to identify processes to attack.
Accounts with the "Profile system performance" user right can monitor system processes performance. An attacker could potentially use this to identify processes to attack.
V-26503
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
The "Replace a process level token" user right allows one process or service to start another process or service with a different security access token. A user with this right could use this to impersonate another account.
The "Replace a process level token" user right allows one process or service to start another process or service with a different security access token. A user with this right could use this to impersonate another account.
V-26504
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Restore files and directories" user right can circumvent file and directory permissions and could allow access to sensitive data. It could also be used to over-write more current data.
Accounts with the "Restore files and directories" user right can circumvent file and directory permissions and could allow access to sensitive data. It could also be used to over-write more current data.
V-26506
medium
Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Take ownership of files or other objects" user right can take ownership of objects and make changes.
Accounts with the "Take ownership of files or other objects" user right can take ownership of objects and make changes.
V-26529
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Credential validation records events related to validation tests on credentials for a user account logon.
Credential validation records events related to validation tests on credentials for a user account logon.
V-26530
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Credential validation records events related to validation tests on credentials for a user account logon.
Credential validation records events related to validation tests on credentials for a user account logon.
V-26533
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Other Account Management records events such as the access of a password hash or the Password Policy Checking API being called.
Other Account Management records events such as the access of a password hash or the Password Policy Checking API being called.
V-26535
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Security Group Management records events such as creating, deleting or changing of security groups, including changes in group members.
Security Group Management records events such as creating, deleting or changing of security groups, including changes in group members.
V-26537
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
User Account Management records events such as creating, changing, deleting, renaming, disabling, or enabling user accounts.
User Account Management records events such as creating, changing, deleting, renaming, disabling, or enabling user accounts.
V-26538
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
User Account Management records events such as creating, changing, deleting, renaming, disabling, or enabling user accounts.
User Account Management records events such as creating, changing, deleting, renaming, disabling, or enabling user accounts.
V-26539
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Process creation records events related to the creation of a process and the source.
Process creation records events related to the creation of a process and the source.
V-26540
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Logoff records user logoffs. If this is an interactive logoff, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
Logoff records user logoffs. If this is an interactive logoff, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
V-26541
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Logon records user logons. If this is an interactive logon, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
Logon records user logons. If this is an interactive logon, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
V-26542
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Logon records user logons. If this is an interactive logon, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
Logon records user logons. If this is an interactive logon, it is recorded on the local system. If it is to a network share, it is recorded on the system accessed.
V-26543
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Special Logon records special logons which have administrative privileges and can be used to elevate processes.
Special Logon records special logons which have administrative privileges and can be used to elevate processes.
V-26546
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Audit Policy Change records events related to changes in audit policy.
Audit Policy Change records events related to changes in audit policy.
V-26547
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Audit Policy Change records events related to changes in audit policy.
Audit Policy Change records events related to changes in audit policy.
V-26548
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Authentication Policy Change records events related to changes in authentication policy including Kerberos policy and Trust changes.
Authentication Policy Change records events related to changes in authentication policy including Kerberos policy and Trust changes.
V-26549
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Sensitive Privilege Use records events related to use of sensitive privileges, such as "Act as part of the operating system" or "Debug programs".
Sensitive Privilege Use records events related to use of sensitive privileges, such as "Act as part of the operating system" or "Debug programs".
V-26550
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Sensitive Privilege Use records events related to use of sensitive privileges, such as "Act as part of the operating system" or "Debug programs".
Sensitive Privilege Use records events related to use of sensitive privileges, such as "Act as part of the operating system" or "Debug programs".
V-26551
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
IPSec Driver records events related to the IPSec Driver such as dropped packets.
IPSec Driver records events related to the IPSec Driver such as dropped packets.
V-26552
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
IPSec Driver records events related to the IPSec Driver such as dropped packets.
IPSec Driver records events related to the IPSec Driver such as dropped packets.
V-26553
medium
"Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Security State Change records events related to changes in the security state, such as startup and shutdown of the system."
Security State Change records events related to changes in the security state, such as startup and shutdown of the system."
V-26554
medium
"Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Security State Change records events related to changes in the security state such as startup and shutdown of the system."
Security State Change records events related to changes in the security state such as startup and shutdown of the system."
V-26555
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Security System Extension records events related to extension code being loaded by the security subsystem.
Security System Extension records events related to extension code being loaded by the security subsystem.
V-26557
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
System Integrity records events related to violations of integrity to the security subsystem.
System Integrity records events related to violations of integrity to the security subsystem.
V-26558
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
System Integrity records events related to violations of integrity to the security subsystem.
System Integrity records events related to violations of integrity to the security subsystem.
V-26575
medium
IPv6 transition technologies, which tunnel packets through other protocols, do not provide visibility.
V-26576
medium
IPv6 transition technologies, which tunnel packets through other protocols, do not provide visibility.
V-26577
medium
IPv6 transition technologies, which tunnel packets through other protocols, do not provide visibility.
V-26578
medium
IPv6 transition technologies, which tunnel packets through other protocols, do not provide visibility.
V-26579
medium
Inadequate log size will cause the log to fill up quickly. This may prevent audit events from being recorded properly and require frequent attention by administrative personnel.
V-26580
medium
Inadequate log size will cause the log to fill up quickly. This may prevent audit events from being recorded properly and require frequent attention by administrative personnel.
V-26581
medium
Inadequate log size will cause the log to fill up quickly. This may prevent audit events from being recorded properly and require frequent attention by administrative personnel.
V-26582
medium
Inadequate log size will cause the log to fill up quickly. This may prevent audit events from being recorded properly and require frequent attention by administrative personnel.
V-28504
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
This setting will prevent Windows from sending an error report to Microsoft when a device driver requests additional software during installation.
This setting will prevent Windows from sending an error report to Microsoft when a device driver requests additional software during installation.
V-2908
high
Unencrypted access to system services may permit user identification and passwords that are being transmitted in clear text to be intercepted. This could provide an intruder access to the network.
V-32272
medium
To ensure secure DoD websites and DoD-signed code are properly validated, the system must trust the DoD Root Certificate Authorities (CAs). The DoD root certificates will ensure that the trust chain is established for server certificates issued from the DoD CAs.
V-32273
medium
To ensure secure websites protected with External Certificate Authority (ECA) server certificates are properly validated, the system must trust the ECA Root CAs. The ECA root certificates will ensure the trust chain is established for server certificates issued from the External CAs. This requirement only applies to unclassified systems.
V-32274
medium
To ensure users do not experience denial of service when performing certificate-based authentication to DoD websites due to the system chaining to a root other than DoD Root CAs, the DoD Interoperability Root CA cross-certificates must be installed in the Untrusted Certificate Store. This requirement only applies to unclassified systems.
V-32282
high
Permissions on the Active Setup\Installed Components registry key must only allow privileged accounts to add or change registry values. If standard user accounts have this capability, there is a potential for programs to run with elevated privileges when a privileged user logs on to the system.
V-3245
medium
Shares on a system can provide network access, exposing sensitive information. If a share is necessary, share permissions, as well as NTFS permissions, must be reconfigured to give the minimum access to those accounts that require it.
V-3337
high
Allowing anonymous SID/Name translation can provide sensitive information for accessing a system. Only authorized users must be able to perform such translations.
V-3338
high
Named pipes that can be accessed anonymously provide the potential for gaining unauthorized system access. Pipes are internal system communications processes. They are identified internally by ID numbers that vary between systems. To make access to these processes easier, these pipes are given names that do not vary between systems. This setting controls which of these pipes anonymous users may access.
V-3339
high
The registry is integral to the function, security, and stability of the Windows system. Some processes may require remote access to the registry. This setting controls which registry paths are accessible from a remote computer. These registry paths must be limited, as they could give unauthorized individuals access to the registry.
V-3340
high
Anonymous access to network shares provides the potential for gaining unauthorized system access by network users. This could lead to the exposure or corruption of sensitive data.
V-3343
high
Remote assistance allows another user to view or take control of the local session of a user. Solicited assistance is help that is specifically requested by the local user. This may allow unauthorized parties access to the resources on the computer.
V-3344
high
An account without a password can allow unauthorized access to a system as only the username would be required. Password policies should prevent accounts with blank passwords from existing on a system. However, if a local account with a blank password did exist, enabling this setting will prevent network access, limiting the account to local console logon only.
V-3347
high
Installation of Internet Information System (IIS) may allow unauthorized internet services to be hosted. Websites must only be hosted on servers that have been designed for that purpose and can be adequately secured.
V-3373
low
Computer account passwords are changed automatically on a regular basis. This setting controls the maximum password age that a machine account may have. This setting must be set to no more than 30 days, ensuring the machine changes its password monthly.
V-3374
medium
A computer connecting to a domain controller will establish a secure channel. Requiring strong session keys enforces 128-bit encryption between systems.
V-3375
low
This setting controls the behavior of the system when there is an attempt to unlock the workstation. If this setting is enabled, the system will pass the credentials to the domain controller (if in a domain) for authentication before allowing the system to be unlocked. This may cause a denial of service if the workstation loses connectivity to the domain controller.
V-3376
medium
This setting controls the storage of passwords and credentials for network authentication on the local system. Such credentials must not be stored on the local machine as that may lead to account compromise.
V-3377
medium
Access by anonymous users must be restricted. If this setting is enabled, then anonymous users have the same rights and permissions as the built-in Everyone group. Anonymous users must not have these permissions or rights.
V-3378
medium
Windows includes two network-sharing security models - Classic and Guest only. With the Classic model, local accounts must be password protected; otherwise, anyone can use guest user accounts to access shared system resources.
V-3379
high
The LAN Manager hash uses a weak encryption algorithm and there are several tools available that use this hash to retrieve account passwords. This setting controls whether or not a LAN Manager hash of the password is stored in the SAM the next time the password is changed.
V-3380
medium
Limiting logon hours can help protect data by only allowing access during specified times. This setting controls whether or not users are forced to log off when their allowed logon hours expire. If logon hours are set for users, then this must be enforced.
V-3381
medium
This setting controls the signing requirements for LDAP clients. This setting must be set to Negotiate signing or Require signing, depending on the environment and type of LDAP server in use.
V-3382
medium
Microsoft has implemented a variety of security support providers for use with RPC sessions. All of the options must be enabled to ensure the maximum security level.
V-3383
medium
This setting ensures that the system uses algorithms that are FIPS-compliant for encryption, hashing, and signing. FIPS-compliant algorithms meet specific standards established by the U.S. Government and must be the algorithms used for all OS encryption functions.
V-3385
medium
This setting controls the behavior of non-Windows subsystems when dealing with the case of arguments or commands. Case sensitivity could lead to the access of files or commands that must be restricted. To prevent this from happening, case insensitivity restrictions must be required.
V-3453
medium
This setting controls the ability of users to supply passwords automatically as part of their remote desktop connection. Disabling this setting would allow anyone to use the stored credentials in a connection item to connect to the terminal server.
V-3454
medium
Remote connections must be encrypted to prevent interception of data or sensitive information. Selecting "High Level" will ensure encryption of Remote Desktop Services sessions in both directions.
V-3455
medium
If a communal temporary folder is used for remote desktop sessions, it might be possible for users to access other users' temporary folders. If this setting is enabled, only one temporary folder is used for all remote desktop sessions. Per session temporary folders must be established.
V-3456
medium
Remote desktop session temporary folders must always be deleted after a session is over to prevent hard disk clutter and potential leakage of information. This setting controls the deletion of the temporary folders when the session is terminated.
V-3469
medium
If this setting is enabled, then Group Policy settings are not refreshed while a user is currently logged on. This could lead to instances when a user does not have the latest changes to a policy applied and is therefore operating in an insecure context.
V-3470
medium
Remote assistance allows another user to view or take control of the local session of a user. Unsolicited remote assistance is help that is offered by the remote user. This may allow unauthorized parties access to the resources on the computer.
V-3472
low
The Windows Time Service controls time synchronization settings. Time synchronization is essential for authentication and auditing purposes. If the Windows Time Service is used, it must synchronize with a secure, authorized time source. Domain-joined systems are automatically configured to synchronize with domain controllers. If an NTP server is configured, it must synchronize with a secure, authorized time source.
V-3479
medium
The default search behavior, when an application calls a function in a Dynamic Link Library (DLL), is to search the current directory, followed by the directories contained in the system's path environment variable. An unauthorized DLL, inserted into an application's working directory, could allow malicious code to be run on the system. Setting this policy value forces the system to search the %Systemroot% for the DLL before searching the current directory or the rest of the path.
V-3480
medium
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. The automatic check for updates performed by Windows Media Player must be disabled to ensure a constant platform and to prevent the introduction of unknown\untested software on the system.
V-3481
medium
The Windows Media Player uses software components, referred to as Codecs, to play back media files. By default, when an unknown file type is opened with the Media Player, it will search the Internet for the appropriate Codec and automatically download it. To ensure platform consistency and to protect against new vulnerabilities associated with media types, all Codecs must be installed by the System Administrator.
V-34974
high
Standard user accounts must not be granted elevated privileges. Enabling Windows Installer to elevate privileges when installing applications can allow malicious persons and applications to gain full control of a system.
V-36440
medium
Allowing inbound access to domain workstations from other systems may allow lateral movement across systems if credentials are compromised. Limiting inbound connections only from authorized remote management systems will help limit this exposure.
V-36656
medium
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and must be locked when unattended. Enabling a password-protected screen saver to engage after a specified period of time helps protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-36657
medium
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and must be locked when unattended. Enabling a password protected screen saver to engage after a specified period of time helps protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-36658
medium
Administrative accounts may perform any action on a system. Users with administrative accounts must be documented to ensure those with this level of access are clearly identified.
V-36659
high
Using a privileged account to perform routine functions makes the computer vulnerable to malicious software inadvertently introduced during a session that has been granted full privileges.
V-3666
medium
Microsoft has implemented a variety of security support providers for use with RPC sessions. All of the options must be enabled to ensure the maximum security level.
V-36660
high
Using applications that access the internet, or have potential internet sources using administrative privileges, exposes a system to compromise. If a flaw in an application is exploited while running as a privileged user, the entire system could be compromised. Web browsers and email are common attack vectors for introducing malicious code and must not be run with an administrative user account.
Since administrative user accounts may generally change or work around technical restrictions for running a web browser or other applications, it is essential that policy requires administrative users not access the internet or use applications, such as email.
The policy should define specific exceptions for local service administration. These exceptions may include HTTP(S)-based tools that are used for the administration of the local system, services, or attached devices.
Since administrative user accounts may generally change or work around technical restrictions for running a web browser or other applications, it is essential that policy requires administrative users not access the internet or use applications, such as email.
The policy should define specific exceptions for local service administration. These exceptions may include HTTP(S)-based tools that are used for the administration of the local system, services, or attached devices.
V-36661
medium
Application/service account passwords must be of sufficient length to prevent being easily cracked. Application/service accounts that are manually managed must have passwords at least 15 characters in length.
V-36662
medium
Setting application accounts to expire may cause applications to stop functioning. The site will have a policy that application account passwords are changed at least annually or when a system administrator with knowledge of the password leaves the organization.
V-36665
high
If data at rest is unencrypted, it is vulnerable to disclosure. Even if the operating system enforces permissions on data access, an adversary can remove non-volatile memory and read it directly, thereby circumventing operating system controls. Encrypting the data ensures that confidentiality is protected even when the operating system is not running.
V-36666
medium
If system administrators (SAs) are assigned to systems running operating systems for which they have no training, these systems are at additional risk of unintentional misconfiguration that may result in vulnerabilities or decreased availability of the system.
V-36667
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Auditing object access for removable media records events related to access attempts on file system objects on removable storage devices.
Auditing object access for removable media records events related to access attempts on file system objects on removable storage devices.
V-36668
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Auditing object access for removable media records events related to access attempts on file system objects on removable storage devices.
Auditing object access for removable media records events related to access attempts on file system objects on removable storage devices.
V-36673
low
IP stateless autoconfiguration could configure routes that circumvent preferred routes if not limited.
V-36674
medium
Multiple network connections can provide additional attack vectors to a system and must be limited. The "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" setting prevents systems from automatically establishing multiple connections. When both wired and wireless connections are available, for example, the less preferred connection (typically wireless) will be disconnected.
V-36675
medium
Multiple network connections can provide additional attack vectors to a system and should be limited. When connected to a domain, communication must go through the domain connection.
V-36676
low
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. Obtaining update components from an outside source may also potentially provide sensitive information outside of the enterprise. Configuring this setting will restrict, but allow users to obtain print drivers for printers in their forest.
V-36677
low
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. Obtaining update components from an outside source may also potentially provide sensitive information outside of the enterprise. Optional component installation or repair must be obtained from an internal source.
V-36678
low
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. Obtaining update components from an outside source may also potentially provide sensitive information outside of the enterprise. Device driver updates must be obtained from an internal source.
V-36679
medium
Compromised boot drivers can introduce malware prior to some protection mechanisms that load after initialization. The Early Launch Antimalware driver can limit allowed drivers based on classifications determined by the malware protection application. At a minimum, drivers determined to be bad must not be allowed.
V-36680
medium
Uncontrolled installation of applications can introduce various issues, including system instability and allow access to sensitive information. Installation of applications must be controlled by the enterprise. Turning off access to the Windows Store will limit access to publicly available applications.
V-36681
medium
Allowing different input methods for sign-in could open different avenues of attack. User input methods must be restricted to those enabled for the system account at sign-in.
V-36683
medium
The username is one part of logon credentials that could be used to gain access to a system. Preventing the enumeration of users limits this information to unauthorized personnel.
V-36684
medium
The username is one part of logon credentials that could be used to gain access to a system. Preventing the enumeration of users limits this information to authorized personnel.
V-36687
medium
App notifications that are displayed on the lock screen could display sensitive information to unauthorized personnel. Turning off this feature will limit access to the information to a logged on user.
V-36689
medium
Strong sign-on must be used to protect a system. The PIN feature is limited to 4 numbers and caches the domain password in the system vault.
V-36692
low
Requiring warning text to display when allowing helpdesk personnel to control remote assistance sessions ensures personnel of the activity and enforces the need to monitor the activity.
V-36694
low
Requiring warning text to display when allowing helpdesk personnel to connect to a system with remote assistance ensures personnel are aware of the activity and enforces the need to monitor the activity.
V-36696
low
Some features may communicate with the vendor, sending system information or downloading data or components for the feature. Turning off this capability will prevent potentially sensitive information from being sent outside the enterprise and uncontrolled updates to the system.
V-36697
low
Enabling trusted app installation allows for enterprise line of business Windows 8 type apps. A trusted app package is one that is signed with a certificate chain that can be successfully validated in the enterprise. Configuring this ensures enterprise line of business apps are accessible.
V-36698
medium
Allowing biometrics may bypass required authentication methods. Biometrics may only be used as an additional authentication factor where an enhanced strength of identity credential is necessary or desirable. Additional factors must be met per DoD policy.
V-36700
medium
Visible passwords may be seen by nearby persons, compromising them. The password reveal button can be used to display an entered password and must not be allowed.
V-36701
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36702
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36703
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36704
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36705
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36706
medium
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-36707
medium
Windows SmartScreen helps protect systems from programs downloaded from the Internet that may be malicious. Requiring administrator approval before running unknown software will prevent users from executing potentially malicious programs.
V-36708
medium
The location service on mobile devices may allow sensitive data to be used by applications on the system. This should be turned off unless explicitly allowed for approved systems/applications.
V-36709
medium
Basic authentication uses plain text passwords that could be used to compromise a system.
V-36710
low
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues to a system. Obtaining update components from an outside source may also potentially allow sensitive information outside of the enterprise. Application updates must be obtained from an internal source.
V-36711
medium
Uncontrolled installation of applications can introduce various issues including system instability, and provide access to sensitive information. Installation of applications must be controlled by the enterprise. Turning off access to the Windows Store will limit access to publicly available applications.
V-36712
high
Basic authentication uses plain text passwords that could be used to compromise a system.
V-36713
medium
Unencrypted remote access to a system can allow sensitive information to be compromised. Windows remote management connections must be encrypted to prevent this.
V-36714
medium
Digest authentication is not as strong as other options and may be subject to man-in-the-middle attacks.
V-36718
high
Basic authentication uses plain text passwords that could be used to compromise a system.
V-36719
medium
Unencrypted remote access to a system can allow sensitive information to be compromised. Windows remote management connections must be encrypted to prevent this.
V-36720
medium
Storage of administrative credentials could allow unauthorized access. Disallowing the storage of RunAs credentials for Windows Remote Management will prevent them from being used with plug-ins.
V-36722
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. The Application event log may be susceptible to tampering if proper permissions are not applied.
V-36723
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. The Security event log may disclose sensitive information or be susceptible to tampering if proper permissions are not applied.
V-36724
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. The System event log may be susceptible to tampering if proper permissions are not applied.
V-36727
medium
Allowing other operating systems to run on a secure system may allow users to circumvent security.
V-36728
medium
Some protocols and services do not support required security features, such as encrypting passwords or traffic.
V-36729
medium
Some protocols and services do not support required security features, such as encrypting passwords or traffic.
V-36730
medium
Some protocols and services do not support required security features, such as encrypting passwords or traffic.
V-36731
medium
Some protocols and services do not support required security features, such as encrypting passwords or traffic.
V-36732
medium
Some protocols and services do not support required security features, such as encrypting passwords or traffic.
V-36733
medium
Operating system backup is a critical step in maintaining data assurance and availability.
V-36734
medium
Organizations are required to identify information systems containing software affected by recently announced software flaws (and potential vulnerabilities resulting from those flaws) and report this information to designated organizational officials with information security responsibilities (e.g., senior information security officers, information system security managers, information systems security officers). To support this requirement, an automated process or mechanism is required.
V-36735
medium
The organization (including any contractor to the organization) must promptly install security-relevant software updates (e.g., patches, service packs, hot fixes). Flaws discovered during security assessments, continuous monitoring, incident response activities, or information system error handling must also be addressed.
V-36736
medium
Failure to verify a certificate's revocation status can result in the system accepting a revoked and therefore unauthorized, certificate. This could result in the installation of unauthorized software or a connection for rogue networks, depending on the use for which the certificate is intended. Querying for certificate revocation mitigates the risk that the system will accept an unauthorized certificate.
V-36738
medium
Some Windows 8 default apps provide links to external services and must be removed from the system.
V-36739
medium
Some Windows 8 default apps provide links to external services and must be removed from the system.
V-36740
medium
Some Windows 8 default apps provide links to external services and must be removed from the system.
V-36742
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36743
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36744
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36745
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36746
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36747
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36749
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36750
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-36752
medium
VPNs are vulnerable to attack if they are not supported by strong authentication. An adversary may be able gain access to network resources and sensitive information if they can compromise the authentication process. DoD approved multi-factor authentication tokens (e.g., Common Access Card (CAC) for unclassified systems) is strong cryptographic two-factor authentication that greatly mitigates the risk of VPN authentication breaches.
V-36753
medium
When split tunneling is enabled, device peripherals and other computers communicating with the mobile device may be able to connect to a DoD network and obtain sensitive information or otherwise compromise DoD information resources. Disabling split tunneling eliminates the risk associated with this vulnerability.
V-36754
medium
Use of non-standard communications protocols can affect both the availability and confidentiality of communications. IPSec and SSL/TLS are both well-known and tested protocols that provide strong assurance with respect to both IA and interoperability.
V-36757
medium
If not configured properly, Bluetooth may allow rogue devices to communicate with a system. If a rogue device is paired with a system, there is potential for sensitive information to be compromised. DoD policy and Wireless STIG guidance must be implemented with the use of Bluetooth.
V-36759
medium
If not configured properly, Bluetooth may allow rogue devices to communicate with a system. If a rogue device is paired with a system, there is potential for sensitive information to be compromised.
V-36762
medium
If not configured properly, Bluetooth may allow rogue devices to communicate with a system. If a rogue device is paired with a system, there is potential for sensitive information to be compromised.
V-36763
medium
Cameras can capture still pictures and video of sensitive information. There is also a potential for remote access, and cameras must be turned off unless approved by local policy.
V-36765
medium
Microphones can capture audio of sensitive information. There is also a potential for remote access, and microphones must be turned off unless approved by local policy.
V-36767
medium
GPS may provide sensitive location information through various applications and embedded meta-data.
V-36768
medium
Various connection ports can provide additional attack vectors to a system or expose sensitive information and should be limited.
V-36769
medium
Various connection ports can provide additional attack vectors to a system or expose sensitive information and should be limited.
V-36770
medium
A compromised local administrator account can provide means for an attacker to move laterally between domain systems.
With User Account Control enabled, filtering the privileged token for built-in administrator accounts will prevent the elevated privileges of these accounts from being used over the network.
With User Account Control enabled, filtering the privileged token for built-in administrator accounts will prevent the elevated privileges of these accounts from being used over the network.
V-36771
medium
Control of logon credentials and the system must be maintained within the enterprise. Linking an account to an outside vendor could provide an opening if the account is compromised.
V-36773
medium
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and should be locked when unattended. The screen saver should be set at a maximum of 15 minutes and be password protected. This protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-36774
low
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and must be locked. Specifying a screen saver ensures the screen saver timeout lock is initiated properly. This protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-36775
low
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and must be locked. Preventing users from changing the screen saver ensures an approved screen saver is used. This protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
V-36776
low
The Windows Push Notification Service (WNS) allows third-party vendors to send updates for toasts, tiles, and badges.
V-36777
low
Toast notifications that are displayed on the lock screen could display sensitive information to unauthorized personnel. Turning off this feature will limit access to the information to a logged on user.
V-39137
high
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit can enable several mechanisms, such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Structured Exception Handler Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) on the system and applications adding additional levels of protection.
V-40237
medium
To ensure users do not experience denial of service when performing certificate-based authentication to DoD websites due to the system chaining to a root other than DoD Root CAs, the US DoD CCEB Interoperability Root CA cross-certificate must be installed in the Untrusted Certificate Store. This requirement only applies to unclassified systems.
V-4108
low
Audit records may be lost if the security log becomes full. When the audit log reaches a given percent full, an audit event is written to the security log. An event is recorded as a success audit under the category of System. This option may be especially useful if the audit logs are set to be cleared manually.
V-4110
low
Configuring the system to disable IP source routing protects against spoofing.
V-4111
low
Allowing ICMP redirect of routes can lead to traffic not being routed properly. When disabled, this forces ICMP to be routed via shortest path first.
V-4112
low
The Internet Router Discovery Protocol (IRDP) is used to detect and configure default gateway addresses on the computer. If a router is impersonated on a network, traffic could be routed through the compromised system.
V-4113
low
This setting controls how often TCP sends a keep-alive packet in attempting to verify that an idle connection is still intact. A higher value could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service with numerous connections.
V-4116
low
Configuring the system to ignore name release requests, except from WINS servers, prevents a denial of service (DoS) attack. The DoS consists of sending a NetBIOS name release request to the server for each entry in the server's cache, causing a response delay in the normal operation of the servers WINS resolution capability.
V-42420
medium
A firewall provides a line of defense against attack, allowing or blocking inbound and outbound connections based on a set of rules.
V-43237
medium
Enabling camera access from the lock screen could allow for unauthorized use. Requiring logon will ensure the device is only used by authorized personnel.
V-43238
medium
Slide shows that are displayed on the lock screen could display sensitive information to unauthorized personnel. Turning off this feature will limit access to the information to a logged on user.
V-43239
medium
Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior.
Enabling "Include command line data for process creation events" will record the command line information with the process creation events in the log. This can provide additional detail when malware has run on a system.
Enabling "Include command line data for process creation events" will record the command line information with the process creation events in the log. This can provide additional detail when malware has run on a system.
V-43240
medium
Enabling interaction with the network selection UI allows users to change connections to available networks without signing into Windows.
V-43241
low
Control of credentials and the system must be maintained within the enterprise. Enabling this setting allows enterprise credentials to be used with modern style apps that support this, instead of Microsoft accounts.
V-43242
medium
Various levels of information can be shared with Bing in Search, to include user information and location. Configuring this setting prevents users from selecting the level of information shared and enables the most restrictive selection.
V-43243
medium
OneDrive provides access to external services for data storage which must not be used. Enabling this setting will prevent such access from the OneDrive app, as well as from File Explorer.
V-43244
medium
Uncontrolled system updates can introduce issues into the environment. Updates to the latest version of Windows must be done through proper change management. This setting will prevent the option to update to the latest version of Windows from being offered through the Store.
V-43245
medium
Windows can be configured to automatically sign the user back in after a Windows Update restart. Some protections are in place to help ensure this is done in a secure fashion; however, disabling this will prevent the caching of credentials for this purpose and also ensure the user is aware of the restart.
V-43303
medium
Some Windows 8 default apps provide links to external services and must be removed from the system.
V-43304
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43305
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43306
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43307
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43308
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43310
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43312
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-43313
medium
Applications must be updated as flaws are identified and remediations are made available. The default method for updating Windows 8 apps is through the Windows Store, which is required to be blocked. An alternate method must be used to maintain the default Windows 8 apps with the latest security updates if they are allowed on a system.
V-4438
low
In a SYN flood attack, the attacker sends a continuous stream of SYN packets to a server, and the server leaves the half-open connections open until it is overwhelmed and is no longer able to respond to legitimate requests.
V-4442
low
Allowing more than several seconds makes the computer vulnerable to a potential attack from someone walking up to the console to attempt to log onto the system before the lock takes effect.
V-4443
high
The registry is integral to the function, security, and stability of the Windows system. Some processes may require remote access to the registry. This setting controls which registry paths and sub-paths are accessible from a remote computer. These registry paths must be limited, as they could give unauthorized individuals access to the registry.
V-4447
medium
Allowing unsecure RPC communication exposes the system to man in the middle attacks and data disclosure attacks. A man in the middle attack occurs when an intruder captures packets between a client and server and modifies them before allowing the packets to be exchanged. Usually the attacker will modify the information in the packets in an attempt to cause either the client or server to reveal sensitive information.
V-4448
medium
Enabling this setting and then selecting the "Process even if the Group Policy objects have not changed" option ensures that the policies will be reprocessed even if none have been changed. This way, any unauthorized changes are forced to match the domain-based group policy settings again.
V-56421
low
The touch keyboard or input panel may highlight keys as passwords are entered, providing visibility to nearby persons, and compromising them.
V-57637
medium
Utilizing a whitelist provides a configuration management method for allowing the execution of only authorized software. Using only authorized software decreases risk by limiting the number of potential vulnerabilities.
The organization must identify authorized software programs and only permit execution of authorized software. The process used to identify software programs that are authorized to execute on organizational information systems is commonly referred to as whitelisting.
The organization must identify authorized software programs and only permit execution of authorized software. The process used to identify software programs that are authorized to execute on organizational information systems is commonly referred to as whitelisting.
V-6831
medium
Requests sent on the secure channel are authenticated, and sensitive information (such as passwords) is encrypted, but not all information is encrypted. If this policy is enabled, outgoing secure channel traffic will be encrypted and signed.
V-6832
medium
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB client will only communicate with an SMB server that performs SMB packet signing.
V-6833
medium
The server message block (SMB) protocol provides the basis for many network operations. Digitally signed SMB packets aid in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. If this policy is enabled, the SMB server will only communicate with an SMB client that performs SMB packet signing.
V-6834
high
Allowing anonymous access to named pipes or shares provides the potential for unauthorized system access. This setting restricts access to those defined in "Network access: Named Pipes that can be accessed anonymously" and "Network access: Shares that can be accessed anonymously", both of which must be blank under other requirements.
V-6836
medium
Information systems not protected with strong password schemes (including passwords of minimum length) provide the opportunity for anyone to crack the password, thus gaining access to the system and compromising the device, information, or the local network.
V-6840
medium
Passwords that do not expire increase exposure with a greater probability of being discovered or cracked.
V-68843
high
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Data Execution Prevention (DEP) prevents harmful code from running in protected memory locations reserved for Windows and other programs.
V-68847
high
Attackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) blocks exploits that use the Structured Exception Handling overwrite technique, a common buffer overflow attack.
V-7002
high
The lack of password protection enables anyone to gain access to the information system, which opens a backdoor opportunity for intruders to compromise the system as well as other resources. Local accounts on a system must require passwords.
V-72753
medium
When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) exposing them to theft. This setting will prevent WDigest from storing credentials in memory.
V-73519
medium
SMBv1 is a legacy protocol that uses the MD5 algorithm as part of SMB. MD5 is known to be vulnerable to a number of attacks such as collision and preimage attacks as well as not being FIPS compliant.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
V-73523
medium
SMBv1 is a legacy protocol that uses the MD5 algorithm as part of SMB. MD5 is known to be vulnerable to a number of attacks such as collision and preimage attacks as well as not being FIPS compliant.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
V-73805
medium
SMBv1 is a legacy protocol that uses the MD5 algorithm as part of SMB. MD5 is known to be vulnerable to a number of attacks such as collision and preimage attacks as well as not being FIPS compliant.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
Disabling SMBv1 support may prevent access to file or print sharing resources with systems or devices that only support SMBv1. File shares and print services hosted on Windows Server 2003 are an example, however Windows Server 2003 is no longer a supported operating system. Some older network attached devices may only support SMBv1.
V-75915
medium
Accounts or groups given rights on a system may show up as unresolved SIDs for various reasons including deletion of the accounts or groups. If the account or group objects are reanimated, there is a potential they may still have rights no longer intended. Valid domain accounts or groups may also show up as unresolved SIDs if a connection to the domain cannot be established for some reason.