The built-in Windows password complexity policy must be enabled.

From Windows Server 2008 R2 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Microsoft Strong Password Filtering

Associated with: CCI-000192 CCI-000193 CCI-000194 CCI-001619

SV-32298r2_rule The built-in Windows password complexity policy must be enabled.

Vulnerability discussion

The use of complex passwords increases their strength against attack. The built-in Windows password complexity policy requires passwords to contain at least 3 of the 4 types of characters (numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special characters), as well as preventing the inclusion of user names or parts of.

Check content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Account Policies >> Password Policy. If the value for "Password must meet complexity requirements" is not set to "Enabled", this is a finding. Note: If an external password filter is in use that enforces all 4 character types and requires this setting be set to "Disabled", this would not be considered a finding. If this setting does not affect the use of an external password filter, it must be enabled for fallback purposes.

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Password must meet complexity requirements" to "Enabled".

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.