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← Back to Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V-285315

CAT II (Medium)

Windows Server 2025 OpenSSH must accept public key authentication.

Rule ID

SV-285315r1256733_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R3

CCIs

CCI-000765CCI-000766CCI-000767CCI-000768

Discussion

Without the use of multifactor authentication, the ease of access to privileged functions is greatly increased. Multifactor authentication requires using two or more factors to achieve authentication. A privileged account is defined as an information system account with authorizations of a privileged user. A DoW common access card (CAC) with DoW-approved PKI is an example of multifactor authentication. Satisfies: SRG-OS-000105-GPOS-00052, SRG-OS-000106-GPOS-00053, SRG-OS-000107-GPOS-00054, SRG-OS-000108-GPOS-00056

Check Content

If OpenSSH is not installed on the system, this requirement is not applicable.

If the system administrator demonstrates the use of an approved alternate multifactor authentication method, this requirement is not applicable.

Verify the system accepts public key encryption with the following command:
 
C:\ > Get-Content "$env:ProgramData\ssh\sshd_config" | Select-String -Pattern '^\s*PubkeyAuthentication'

PubkeyAuthentication yes
 
If "PubkeyAuthentication" is set to "no", the line is commented out, or the line is missing, this is a finding.

Fix Text

To configure the system, add or modify the following line in the "$env:ProgramData/ssh/sshd_config" file:

PubkeyAuthentication yes

Restart the OpenSSH service for the settings to take effect.