Title

Windows Server 2019 domain controllers must be configured to allow reset of machine account passwords. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Enabling this setting on all domain controllers in a domain prevents domain members from changing their computer account passwords. If these passwords are weak or compromised, the inability to change them may leave these computers vulnerable.

Check Content

This applies to domain controllers. It is NA for other systems. 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\Services\Netlogon\Parameters\ Value Name: RefusePasswordChange Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Domain controller: Refuse machine account password changes" to "Disabled".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-205876r991589_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-205876

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

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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