Exchange 2010 Mailbox Server STIG Version Comparison

There are 1 differences between versions v1 r9 (Jan. 27, 2017) (the "left" version) and v1 r10 (July 28, 2017) (the "right" version).

Check Exch-3-807 was changed between these two versions. Green, underlined text was added, red, struck-out text was removed.

The regular view of the left check and right check may be easier to read.

Title

Email application must not share a partition with another application.

Check Content

Access Windows Explorer and identify the OS partition. Navigate to configured partitions, and access the ‘Program Files’ directory. Note directory. Make note of the installation partition for Microsoft Exchange. If Microsoft Exchange resides on a partition other than that of the OS, and does not have other applications installed, this is not a finding. Note: In the case where additional applications are installed on (without associated approval from the ISSO), same partition as Microsoft Exchange, and each of those additional applications have been documented and had a risk assessment completed by the ISSO/ISSM, this is not a finding.

Discussion

In the same way that added security layers can provide a cumulative positive effect on security posture, multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to the host system can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system. Email services should be installed on a partition that does not host other applications. Email services should never be installed on a Domain Controller / Directory Services server.

Fix

Install Exchange on a dedicated application partition separate than that of the OS.