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V-205653

CAT I (High)

Windows Server 2019 reversible password encryption must be disabled.

Rule ID

SV-205653r1051062_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V3R8

CCIs

CCI-004062 CCI-000196

Discussion

Storing passwords using reversible encryption is essentially the same as storing clear-text versions of the passwords, which are easily compromised. For this reason, this policy must never be enabled.

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 "Store passwords using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

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

If "ClearTextPassword" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".