Microsoft Windows Server 2022 STIG Version Comparison

There are 2 differences between versions v1 r5 (May 15, 2024) (the "left" version) and v2 r2 (Nov. 24, 2024) (the "right" version).

Check WN22-00-000020 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

Windows Server 2022 passwords for the built-in Administrator account must be changed at least every 60 days.

Check Content

If there are no enabled local Administrator accounts, this is Not Applicable. Review the password last set date for the enabled local Administrator account. On the stand alone or domain-joined workstation: Open "PowerShell". Enter "Get-LocalUser -Name * | Select-Object *". If the "PasswordLastSet" date is greater than "60" days old for the local Administrator account for administering the computer/domain, this is a finding. Verify LAPS is configured and operational. Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> LAPS >> Password Settings >> Set to enabled. Password Complexity, large letters + small letters + numbers + special, Password Length 14, Password Age 60. If not configured as shown, this is a finding. Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> LAPS >> Password Settings >> Name of administrator Account to manage >> Set to enabled >> Administrator account name is populated. If it is not, this is a finding. Verify LAPS Operational logs >> Event Viewer >> Applications and Services Logs >> Microsoft >> Windows >> LAPS >> Operational. Verify LAPS policy process is completing. If it is not, this is a finding.

Discussion

The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the password. The built-in Administrator account is not generally used and its password may not be changed as frequently as necessary. Changing the password for the built-in Administrator account on a regular basis will limit its exposure. Windows LAPS must be used to change the built-in Administrator account password.

Fix

Change the enabled local Administrator account password at least every 60 days. Windows LAPS must be used to change the built-in Administrator account password. Domain-joined systems can configure this to occur more frequently. LAPS will change the password every 30 days by default. More information is available at: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/by-popular-demand-windows-laps-available-now/ba-p/3788747 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview#windows-laps-supported-platforms-and-azure-ad-laps-preview-status