Title

The system is configured to store the LAN Manager hash of the password in the SAM. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

This setting controls whether or not a LAN Manager hash of the password is stored in the SAM the next time the password is changed. The LAN Manager hash uses a weak encryption algorithm and there are several tools available that use this hash to retrieve account passwords.

Check Content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options. If the value for “Network security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password change” is not set to “Enabled”, then this is a finding. The policy referenced configures the following registry value: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ Value Name: NoLMHash Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> “Network security: Do not store LAN Manager hash value on next password change” to “Enabled”.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-3379

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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