Windows Server 2019 must have WDigest Authentication disabled.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-205687 | WN19-CC-000020 | SV-205687r958478_rule | CCI-000381 | medium |
| Description | ||||
| When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain-text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), exposing them to theft. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows Server 2019. This setting ensures this is enforced. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-23 | |||
Related Frameworks
3 paths across 3 frameworks
Related Frameworks
NIST 800-531 mapping
CM-7
1.00
- DISA · 3 · disa_xccdf · related
- DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
NIST 800-1711 mapping
3.4.6
1.00
- DISA · 3 · disa_xccdf · related
- DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
- NIST · Rev 2 (Feb 2020, errata Jan 2021) · nist_800_171_app_d · equivalent
CCI1 mapping
CCI-000381
1.00
- DISA · 3 · disa_xccdf · related
Details
Check Text (C-205687r958478_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\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\
Value Name: UseLogonCredential
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000000 (0)
Fix Text (F-5952r354980_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide >> "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled".
This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. "SecGuide.admx" and " SecGuide.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.