The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right must only be assigned to Administrators, Service, Local Service, and Network Service.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-253498 | WN11-UR-000110 | SV-253498r958726_rule | CCI-002235 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high-level capabilities. The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right allows a program to impersonate another user or account to run on their behalf. An attacker could potentially use this to elevate privileges. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-15 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-253498r958726_chk)
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.
Run "gpedit.msc".
Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment.
If any groups or accounts other than the following are granted the "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right, this is a finding:
Administrators
LOCAL SERVICE
NETWORK SERVICE
SERVICE
Fix Text (F-56901r829577_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> "Impersonate a client after authentication" to only include the following groups or accounts:
Administrators
LOCAL SERVICE
NETWORK SERVICE
SERVICE