Remote calls to the Security Account Manager (SAM) must be restricted to Administrators.

From Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-002235

SV-88341r2_rule Remote calls to the Security Account Manager (SAM) must be restricted to Administrators.

Vulnerability discussion

The Windows Security Account Manager (SAM) stores users' passwords. Restricting Remote Procedure Call (RPC) connections to the SAM to Administrators helps protect those credentials.

Check content

This applies to member servers and standalone systems; it is NA for domain controllers. 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: RestrictRemoteSAM Value Type: REG_SZ Value: O:BAG:BAD:(A;;RC;;;BA)

Fix text

Navigate to the policy Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM". Select "Edit Security" to configure the "Security descriptor:". Add "Administrators" in "Group or user names:" if it is not already listed (this is the default). Select "Administrators" in "Group or user names:". Select "Allow" for "Remote Access" in "Permissions for "Administrators". Click "OK". The "Security descriptor:" must be populated with "O:BAG:BAD:(A;;RC;;;BA) for the policy to be enforced.

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