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V-73497

CAT II (Medium)

WDigest Authentication must be disabled on Windows Server 2016.

Rule ID

SV-88149r2_rule

STIG

Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R10

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 2016. 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.