Title

Local accounts with blank passwords must be restricted to prevent access from the network. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

An account without a password can allow unauthorized access to a system as only the username would be required. Password policies must 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.

Check Content

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ Value Name: LimitBlankPasswordUse Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only" to "Enabled".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-253434r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-253434

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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