Windows Server 2019 domain controllers must be configured to allow reset of machine account passwords.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-205876WN19-DC-000330SV-205876r991589_ruleCCI-000366medium
Description
Enabling this setting on all domain controllers in a domain prevents domain members from changing their computer account passwords. If these passwords are weak or compromised, the inability to change them may leave these computers vulnerable.
STIGDate
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide2025-05-23

Details

Check Text (C-205876r991589_chk)

This applies to domain controllers. It is NA for other systems. 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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters\ Value Name: RefusePasswordChange Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix Text (F-6141r355991_fix)

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Domain controller: Refuse machine account password changes" to "Disabled".