Windows Server 2019 must prevent local accounts with blank passwords from being used from the network.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-205908 | WN19-SO-000020 | SV-205908r991589_rule | CCI-000366 | high |
| Description | ||||
| An account without a password can allow unauthorized access to a system as only the username would be required. Password policies should prevent accounts with blank passwords from existing on a system. However, if a local account with a blank password does exist, enabling this setting will prevent network access, limiting the account to local console logon only. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-23 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-205908r991589_chk)
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\Control\Lsa\
Value Name: LimitBlankPasswordUse
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000001 (1)
Fix Text (F-6173r356087_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only" to "Enabled".