Title

Windows PowerShell 2.0 must not be installed on Windows 2012/2012 R2. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Windows PowerShell versions 4.0 (with a patch) and 5.x add advanced logging features that can provide additional detail when malware has been run on a system. Ensuring Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed as well mitigates against a downgrade attack that evades the advanced logging features of later Windows PowerShell versions.

Check Content

Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed by default. Open "Windows PowerShell". Enter "Get-WindowsFeature -Name PowerShell-v2". If "Installed State" is "Installed", this is a finding. An Installed State of "Available" or "Removed" is not a finding.

Fix Text

Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed by default. Uninstall it if it has been installed. Open "Windows PowerShell". Enter "Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name PowerShell-v2". Alternately: Use the "Remove Roles and Features Wizard" and deselect "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine" under "Windows PowerShell".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-225265r569185_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-225265

Group Title: SRG-OS-000095-GPOS-00049

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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