Microsoft Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 must have WDigest Authentication disabled

STIG ID: WN22-CC-000020 |   SRG: SRG-OS-000095-GPOS-00049 |   Severity: Medium |   CCI: CCI-000381 |   Vulnerability ID: V-254334

Description

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 2022. This setting ensures this is enforced.

Check

C-57819r848816_chk

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINERegistry Path: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\Value Name: UseLogonCredentialType: REG_DWORDValue: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix

F-57770r848817_fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide . Set "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.