Unauthorized accounts must not have the Create symbolic links user right.

From Windows 8/8.1 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: ECLP-1

Associated with: CCI-002235

SV-48493r2_rule Unauthorized accounts must not have the Create symbolic links user right.

Vulnerability discussion

Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high level capabilities.Accounts with the "Create symbolic links" user right can create pointers to other objects, which could potentially expose the system to attack.

Check content

Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. (See "Performing Analysis with the Security Configuration and Analysis Snap-in" in the STIG Overview document.) Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view. Navigate to Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment. If any accounts or groups other than the following are granted the "Create symbolic links" user right, this is a finding: Administrators

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment -> "Create symbolic links" to only include the following accounts or groups: Administrators

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