Title

Active Directory data files must have proper access control permissions. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Improper access permissions for directory data related files could allow unauthorized users to read, modify, or delete directory data or audit trails.

Check Content

Verify the permissions on the content of the NTDS directory. Open the registry editor (regedit). Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\NTDS\Parameters. Note the directory locations in the values for: Database log files path DSA Database file By default they will be \Windows\NTDS. If the locations are different, the following will need to be run for each. Open an elevated command prompt (run as administrator). Navigate to the NTDS directory (\Windows\NTDS by default). Run "icacls *.*". If the permissions on each file are not at least as restrictive as the following, this is a finding. NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(I)(F) BUILTIN\Administrators:(I)(F) (I) - permission inherited from parent container (F) - full access Do not use Windows Explorer to attempt to view permissions of the NTDS folder. Accessing the folder through Windows Explorer will change the permissions on the folder.

Fix Text

Ensure the permissions on NTDS database and log files are at least as restrictive as the following: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(I)(F) BUILTIN\Administrators:(I)(F) (I) - permission inherited from parent container (F) - full access

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-34432r5_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-8316

Group Title: Data File Access Permissions

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.