User Account Control must, at a minimum, prompt administrators for consent on the secure desktop.

From Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001084

SV-88375r1_rule User Account Control must, at a minimum, prompt administrators for consent on the secure desktop.

Vulnerability discussion

User Account Control (UAC) is a security mechanism for limiting the elevation of privileges, including administrative accounts, unless authorized. This setting configures the elevation requirements for logged-on administrators to complete a task that requires raised privileges.

Check content

UAC requirements are NA for Server Core installations (this is default installation option for Windows Server 2016 versus Server with Desktop Experience) as well as Nano Server. 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: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\ Value Name: ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000002 (2) (Prompt for consent on the secure desktop) 0x00000001 (1) (Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop)

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode" to "Prompt for consent on the secure desktop". The more secure option for this setting, "Prompt for credentials on the secure desktop", would also be acceptable.

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