The Windows 2012 DNS Server permissions must be set so that the key file can only be read or modified by the account that runs the name server software.

From Microsoft Windows 2012 Server Domain Name System Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000186

SV-73075r3_rule The Windows 2012 DNS Server permissions must be set so that the key file can only be read or modified by the account that runs the name server software.

Vulnerability discussion

To enable zone transfer (requests and responses) through authenticated messages, it is necessary to generate a key for every pair of name servers. The key can also be used for securing other transactions, such as dynamic updates, DNS queries, and responses. The binary key string that is generated by most key generation utilities used with DNSSEC is Base64-encoded. TSIG is a string used to generate the message authentication hash stored in a TSIG RR and used to authenticate an entire DNS message.

Check content

Access Windows Explorer. Navigate to the following location: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Crypto Verify the permissions on the folder, sub-folders and files are limited to SYSTEM and Administrators FULL CONTROL. If any other user or group has greater than READ privileges to the %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Crypto folder, sub-folders and files, this is a finding.

Fix text

Access Windows Explorer. Navigate to the following location: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Crypto Modify permissions on the folder, sub-folders and files to be limited to SYSTEM and Administrators FULL CONTROL and to all other Users/Groups to READ.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.