Unencrypted passwords must not be sent to third-party Server Message Block (SMB) servers.

From Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000197

SV-88321r1_rule Unencrypted passwords must not be sent to third-party Server Message Block (SMB) servers.

Vulnerability discussion

Some non-Microsoft SMB servers only support unencrypted (plain-text) password authentication. Sending plain-text passwords across the network when authenticating to an SMB server reduces the overall security of the environment. Check with the vendor of the SMB server to determine if there is a way to support encrypted password authentication.

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\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters\ Value Name: EnablePlainTextPassword Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Microsoft Network Client: Send unencrypted password to third-party SMB servers" to "Disabled".

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