Title

Windows Server 2016 must be running Credential Guard on domain-joined member servers. (Cat I impact)

Discussion

Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to protect data that could be used in credential theft attacks if compromised. This authentication information, which was stored in the Local Security Authority (LSA) in previous versions of Windows, is isolated from the rest of the operating system and can only be accessed by privileged system software.

Check Content

For domain controllers and standalone or nondomain-joined systems, this is NA. Open "PowerShell" with elevated privileges (run as administrator). Enter the following: "Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_DeviceGuard -Namespace root\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceGuard" If "SecurityServicesRunning" does not include a value of "1" (e.g., "{1, 2}"), this is a finding. Alternately: Run "System Information". Under "System Summary", verify the following: If "Device Guard Security Services Running" does not list "Credential Guard", this is a finding. The policy settings referenced in the Fix section will configure the following registry value. However, due to hardware requirements, the registry value alone does not ensure proper function. Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceGuard\ Value Name: LsaCfgFlags Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1) (Enabled with UEFI lock) A Microsoft article on Credential Guard system requirement can be found at the following link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-requirements

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> Device Guard >> "Turn On Virtualization Based Security" to "Enabled" with "Enabled with UEFI lock" selected for "Credential Guard Configuration". A Microsoft article on Credential Guard system requirement can be found at the following link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/credential-guard/credential-guard-requirements Severity Override Guidance: The AO can allow the severity override if they have reviewed the overall protection provided to the affected servers that are not capable of complying with the Credential Guard requirement. Items that should be reviewed/considered for compliance or mitigation for non-Credential Guard compliance are: The use of Microsoft Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) or similar products to control different local administrative passwords for all affected affected servers. This is to include a strict password change requirement (60 days or less). …. Strict separation of roles and duties. Server administrator credentials cannot be used on Windows 10 desktop to administer it. Documentation of all exceptions should be supplied. …. Use of a Privileged Access Workstation (PAW) and adherence to the Clean Source principle for administering affected affected servers. …. Boundary Protection that is currently in place to protect from vulnerabilities in the network/servers. …. Windows Defender rule block credential stealing from LSASS.exe is applied. This rule can only be applied if Windows Defender is in use. …. The overall number of vulnerabilities that are unmitigated on the network/servers.

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-225012r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-225012

Group Title: SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227

Expert Comments

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