Title

Windows Server 2019 Modify firmware environment values user right must only be assigned to the Administrators group. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high-level capabilities. Accounts with the "Modify firmware environment values" user right can change hardware configuration environment variables. This could result in hardware failures or a denial of service.

Check Content

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment. If any accounts or groups other than the following are granted the "Modify firmware environment values" user right, this is a finding: - Administrators For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas User_Rights /cfg c:\path\filename.txt Review the text file. If any SIDs other than the following are granted the "SeSystemEnvironmentPrivilege" user right, this is a finding: S-1-5-32-544 (Administrators)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> "Modify firmware environment values" to include only the following accounts or groups: - Administrators

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-205764r958726_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-205764

Group Title: SRG-OS-000324-GPOS-00125

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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