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V-278038

CAT II (Medium)

Windows Server 2025 minimum password age must be configured to at least one day.

Rule ID

SV-278038r1180820_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V1R1

CCIs

CCI-004066

Discussion

Permitting passwords to be changed in immediate succession within the same day allows users to cycle passwords through their history database. This enables users to effectively negate the purpose of mandating periodic password changes.

Check Content

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.

Run gpedit.msc.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for the "Minimum password age" is set to "0" days ("Password can be changed immediately"), this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "MinimumPasswordAge" equals "0" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy. Set "Minimum password age" to at least "1" day.