Reversible password encryption must be disabled.

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

Associated with: CCI-000196

SV-52880r1_rule Reversible password encryption must be disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

Storing passwords using reversible encryption is essentially the same as storing clear-text versions of the passwords. For this reason, this policy must never be enabled.

Check content

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy. If the value for "Store password using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy -> "Store password using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".

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