Title

WDigest Authentication must be disabled. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) exposing them to theft. This setting will prevent WDigest from storing credentials in memory.

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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\ Value Name: UseLogonCredential Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0) Note: Microsoft Security Advisory update 2871997 is not required for Windows 8.1. (Windows 8.0 is no longer supported.)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide >> "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled". Note: Microsoft Security Advisory update 2871997 is not required for Windows 8.1. (Windows 8.0 is no longer supported.) This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. "SecGuide.admx" and "SecGuide.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-87387r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-72753

Group Title: WINCC-000150

Expert Comments

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