Title

The system must be configured to have password protection take effect within a limited time frame when the screen saver becomes active. (Cat III impact)

Discussion

Allowing more than several seconds makes the computer vulnerable to a potential attack from someone walking up to the console to attempt to log on to the system before the lock takes effect.

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: \Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\ Value Name: ScreenSaverGracePeriod Value Type: REG_SZ Value: 5 (or less)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> "MSS: (ScreenSaverGracePeriod) The time in seconds before the screen saver grace period expires (0 recommended)" to "5" or less. (See "Updating the Windows Security Options File" in the STIG Overview document if MSS settings are not visible in the system's policy tools.)

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-4442

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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