Local accounts with blank passwords must be restricted to prevent access from the network.

From Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-88285r1_rule Local accounts with blank passwords must be restricted to prevent access from the network.

Vulnerability discussion

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.

Check content

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

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".

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