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V-220800

CAT II (Medium)

WDigest Authentication must be disabled.

Rule ID

SV-220800r569187_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R9

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 10. 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".

The patch referenced in the policy title is not required for Windows 10.

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.