Windows Server 2019 data files owned by users must be on a different logical partition from the directory server data files.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-205723WN19-DC-000120SV-205723r958524_ruleCCI-001090medium
Description
When directory service data files, especially for directories used for identification, authentication, or authorization, reside on the same logical partition as user-owned files, the directory service data may be more vulnerable to unauthorized access or other availability compromises. Directory service and user-owned data files sharing a partition may be configured with less restrictive permissions in order to allow access to the user data. The directory service may be vulnerable to a denial of service attack when user-owned files on a common partition are expanded to an extent preventing the directory service from acquiring more space for directory or audit data.
STIGDate
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide2025-05-23

Details

Check Text (C-205723r958524_chk)

This applies to domain controllers. It is NA for other systems. Run "Regedit". Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NTDS\Parameters". Note the directory locations in the values for "DSA Database file". Open "Command Prompt". Enter "net share". Note the logical drive(s) or file system partition for any organization-created data shares. Ignore system shares (e.g., NETLOGON, SYSVOL, and administrative shares ending in $). User shares that are hidden (ending with $) should not be ignored. If user shares are located on the same logical partition as the directory server data files, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-5988r355088_fix)

Move shares used to store files owned by users to a different logical partition than the directory server data files.