← Back to Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-253457

CAT II (Medium)

Remote calls to the Security Account Manager (SAM) must be restricted to Administrators.

Rule ID

SV-253457r1081060_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R7

CCIs

CCI-002235

Discussion

The Windows SAM stores users' passwords. Restricting remote rpc connections to the SAM to Administrators helps protect those credentials.

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\Lsa\

Value Name: RestrictRemoteSAM

Value Type: REG_SZ
Value: O:BAG:BAD:(A;;RC;;;BA)

If a domain application account such as for a management tool requires this user right, this would not be a finding.
Vendor documentation must support the requirement for having the user right.
The requirement must be documented with the ISSO.

Fix Text

Navigate to the policy Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM".

Select "Edit Security" to configure the "Security descriptor:".

Add "Administrators" in "Group or user names:" if it is not already listed (this is the default).

Select "Administrators" in "Group or user names:".

Select "Allow" for "Remote Access" in "Permissions for "Administrators".

Click "OK".

The "Security descriptor:" must be populated with "O:BAG:BAD:(A;;RC;;;BA) for the policy to be enforced.