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V-205687

CAT II (Medium)

Windows Server 2019 must have WDigest Authentication disabled.

Rule ID

SV-205687r958478_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V3R8

CCIs

CCI-000381

Discussion

When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain-text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), exposing them to theft. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows Server 2019. This setting ensures this is enforced.

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:  \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\

Value Name:  UseLogonCredential

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00000000 (0)

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide >> "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled".

This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. "SecGuide.admx" and " SecGuide.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.