Title

WDigest Authentication must be disabled on Windows Server 2016. (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. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows Server 2016. This setting ensures this is enforced.

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)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide >> "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled". 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-224915r569186_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-224915

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

Expert Comments

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