Check: WN11-UR-000060
Microsoft Windows 11 STIG:
WN11-UR-000060
(in versions v1 r6 through v1 r1)
Title
The "Create symbolic links" user right must only be assigned to the Administrators group. (Cat II impact)
Discussion
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.
Check Content
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment. If any groups or accounts other than the following are granted the "Create symbolic links" user right, this is a finding: Administrators If the workstation has an approved use of Hyper-V, such as being used as a dedicated admin workstation using Hyper-V to separate administration and standard user functions, "NT VIRTUAL MACHINES\VIRTUAL MACHINE" may be assigned this user right and is not a finding.
Fix Text
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> "Create symbolic links" to only include the following groups or accounts: Administrators
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-253489r877392_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-253489
Group Title: SRG-OS-000324-GPOS-00125
Expert Comments
CCIs
| Number | Definition |
|---|---|
| CCI-002205 |
The information system uniquely identifies and authenticates source by organization, system, application, and/or individual for information transfer. |
| CCI-002235 |
The information system prevents non-privileged users from executing privileged functions to include disabling, circumventing, or altering implemented security safeguards/countermeasures. |