Title

The Directory Service Restore Mode (DSRM) password must be changed at least annually. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

The Directory Service Restore Mode (DSRM) password, used to log on to a domain controller (DC) when rebooting into the server recovery mode, is very powerful. With a weak or known password, someone with local access to the DC can reboot the server and copy or modify the Active Directory database without leaving any trace of the activity. Failure to change the DSRM password periodically could allow compromised of the Active Directory. It could also allow an unknown (lost) password to go undetected. If not corrected during a periodic review, the problem might surface during an actual recovery operation and delay or prevent the recovery.

Check Content

Verify the organization has a process that addresses DSRM password change frequency. If DSRM passwords are not changed at least annually, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Change the DSRM password at least annually.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-243479r959010_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-243479

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.