The system must be configured to have password protection take effect within a limited time frame when the screen saver becomes active.

From Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Domain Controller Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000366

SV-52930r1_rule The system must be configured to have password protection take effect within a limited time frame when the screen saver becomes active.

Vulnerability discussion

Allowing more than several seconds makes the computer vulnerable to a potential attack from someone walking up to the console to attempt to log on to the system before the lock takes effect.

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: \Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\ Value Name: ScreenSaverGracePeriod Value Type: REG_SZ Value: 5 (or less)

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> "MSS: (ScreenSaverGracePeriod) The time in seconds before the screen saver grace period expires (0 recommended)" to "5" or less. (See "Updating the Windows Security Options File" in the STIG Overview document if MSS settings are not visible in the system's policy tools.)

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