Title

Simultaneous connections to the internet or a Windows domain must be limited. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

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.

Check Content

The default behavior for "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" is "Enabled". If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding. If it exists and is configured with a value of "3", this is not a finding. If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is a finding. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WcmSvc\GroupPolicy\ Value Name: fMinimizeConnections Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 3 (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Fix Text

The default behavior for "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" is "Enabled". If this must be corrected, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Network >> Windows Connection Manager >> "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" to "Enabled". Under "Options", set "Minimize Policy Options" to "3 = Prevent Wi-Fi When on Ethernet".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-220806r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-220806

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

Expert Comments

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