Title

The system must be configured to require a strong session key. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A computer connecting to a domain controller will establish a secure channel. Requiring strong session keys enforces 128-bit encryption between systems.

Check Content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. (See "Performing Analysis with the Security Configuration and Analysis Snap-in" in the STIG Overview document.) Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options. If the value for "Domain Member: Require Strong (Windows 2000 or Later) Session Key" is not set to "Enabled", this is a finding. The policy referenced configures the following registry value: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters\ Value Name: RequireStrongKey Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1 Warning: This setting may prevent a system from being joined to a domain if not configured consistently between systems.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> "Domain Member: Require Strong (Windows 2000 or Later) Session Key" to "Enabled".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-48076r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-3374

Group Title: Strong Session Key

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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