Microsoft Windows Server 2016 STIG Version Comparison

There are 3 differences between versions v2 r6 (May 11, 2023) (the "left" version) and v2 r8 (May 15, 2024) (the "right" version).

Check WN16-CC-000555 was added to the benchmark in the "right" version.

This check's original form is available here.

Title

Windows Server 2016 must have PowerShell Transcription enabled.

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: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell\Transcription\ Value Name: EnableTranscripting Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

Discussion

Maintaining an audit trail of system activity logs can help identify configuration errors, troubleshoot service disruptions, and analyze compromises that have occurred, as well as detect attacks. Audit logs are necessary to provide a trail of evidence in case the system or network is compromised. Collecting this data is essential for analyzing the security of information assets and detecting signs of suspicious and unexpected behavior. Enabling PowerShell Transcription will record detailed information from the processing of PowerShell commands and scripts. This can provide additional detail when malware has run on a system.

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows PowerShell >> "Turn on PowerShell Transcription" to "Enabled". Specify the Transcript output directory to point to a Central Log Server or another secure location to prevent user access.