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Windows Server 2019 reversible password encryption must be disabled.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-205653 WN19-AC-000090 SV-205653r569188_rule High
Description
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.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2022-03-01

Details

Check Text ( C-5918r354877_chk )
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 (F-5918r354878_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".