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Caching of logon credentials must be limited.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-253447 WN11-SO-000085 SV-253447r829425_rule Low
Description
The default Windows configuration caches the last logon credentials for users who log on interactively to a system. This feature is provided for system availability reasons, such as the user's machine being disconnected from the network or domain controllers being unavailable. Even though the credential cache is well-protected, if a system is attacked, an unauthorized individual may isolate the password to a domain user account using a password-cracking program and gain access to the domain.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-08-31

Details

Check Text ( C-56900r829423_chk )
This is the default configuration for this setting (10 logons to cache).

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: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\

Value Name: CachedLogonsCount

Value Type: REG_SZ
Value: 10 (or less)

This setting only applies to domain-joined systems, however, it is configured by default on all systems.
Fix Text (F-56850r829424_fix)
This is the default configuration for this setting (10 logons to cache).

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available)" to "10" logons or less.

This setting only applies to domain-joined systems, however, it is configured by default on all systems.