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Windows Server 2025 Active Directory (AD) Group Policy Objects (GPOs) must have proper access control permissions.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-278140WN25-DC-000090SV-278140r1182086_ruleCCI-002235high
Description
When directory service database objects do not have appropriate access control permissions, it may be possible for malicious users to create, read, update, or delete the objects and degrade or destroy the integrity of the data. When the directory service is used for identification, authentication, or authorization functions, a compromise of the database objects could lead to a compromise of all systems relying on the directory service. For AD, the GPOs require special attention. In a distributed administration model (i.e., help desk), GPOs are more likely to have access permissions changed from the secure defaults. If inappropriate access permissions are defined for GPOs, this could allow an intruder to change the security policy applied to all domain client computers (workstations and servers).
STIGDate
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide2026-02-20

Related Frameworks

1 mapping across 4 frameworks
SCF0 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 3 hops (1) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

IAC-21.5Prohibit Non-Privileged Users from Executing Privileged Functions
1.00
NIST 800-530 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 2 hops (50) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

AC-2(1)Automated System Account Management
1.00
AC-2(10)Shared and Group Account Credential Change
1.00
AC-2(2)Automated Temporary and Emergency Account Management
1.00
AC-2(3)Disable Accounts
1.00
AC-2(4)Automated Audit Actions
1.00
AC-3Access Enforcement
1.00
AC-3(4)Discretionary Access Control
1.00
AC-3(7)Role-based Access Control
1.00
AC-4Information Flow Enforcement
1.00
AC-6(10)Prohibit Non-privileged Users from Executing Privileged Functions
1.00

+40 more (top 10 by confidence shown)

NIST 800-1710 mappings

No source states a mapping between these directly.

Also reachable in 3 hops (1) derived by us, not asserted by any source

Each of these is a route we composed by chaining published mappings. No publisher states a relationship between the two endpoints.

3.1.7
1.00
CCI1 mapping

Details

Check Text (C-278140r1182086_chk)

This applies to domain controllers. It is not applicable for other systems. Review the permissions on GPOs. Open "Group Policy Management" (available from various menus or run "gpmc.msc"). Navigate to "Group Policy Objects" in the domain being reviewed (Forest >> Domains >> Domain). For each GPO: Select the GPO item in the left pane. Select the "Delegation" tab in the right pane. Select "Advanced". Select each Group or user name. View the permissions. If any standard user accounts or groups have "Allow" permissions greater than "Read" and "Apply group policy", this is a finding. Other access permissions that allow the objects to be updated are considered findings unless specifically documented by the information system security officer (ISSO). The default permissions noted below satisfy this requirement. The permissions shown are at the summary level. More detailed permissions can be viewed by selecting the next "Advanced" button, the desired Permission entry, and the "Edit" button. Authenticated Users - Read, Apply group policy, Special permissions The special permissions for Authenticated Users are for Read-type Properties. If detailed permissions include any Create, Delete, Modify, or Write Permissions, or Properties, this is a finding. The special permissions for the following default groups are not the focus of this requirement and may include a wide range of permissions and properties: CREATOR OWNER - Special permissions SYSTEM - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions Domain Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions Enterprise Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS - Read, Special permissions The Domain Admins and Enterprise Admins will not have the "Delete all child objects" permission on the two default Group Policy objects: Default Domain Policy and Default Domain Controllers Policy. They will have this permission on organization created Group Policy objects.

Fix Text (F-82575r1182085_fix)

Maintain the permissions on GPOs to not allow greater than "Read" and "Apply group policy" for standard user accounts or groups. The default permissions below meet this requirement: Authenticated Users - Read, Apply group policy, Special permissions The special permissions for Authenticated Users are for Read-type Properties. CREATOR OWNER - Special permissions SYSTEM - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions Domain Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions Enterprise Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS - Read, Special permissions Document any other access permissions that allow the objects to be updated with the ISSO. The Domain Admins and Enterprise Admins will not have the "Delete all child objects" permission on the two default Group Policy objects: Default Domain Policy and Default Domain Controllers Policy. They will have this permission on created GPOs.