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V-278198

CAT II (Medium)

The Windows Server 2025 built-in guest account must be renamed.

Rule ID

SV-278198r1182317_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-000366

Discussion

The built-in guest account is a well-known user account on all Windows systems and, as initially installed, does not require a password. This can allow access to system resources by unauthorized users. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system.

Check Content

This applies to member servers and stand-alone or nondomain-joined systems; it is not applicable for domain controllers.

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 >> Security Options.

If the value for "Accounts: Rename guest account" is not set to a value other than "Guest", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "NewGuestName" is not something other than "Guest" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Accounts: Rename guest account to a name other than "Guest".