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WN11-CC-000038 WDigest Authentication must be disabled.

DISA STIG library V2R11
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

Maps to CM-7 via CCI-000381

Title

WDigest Authentication must be disabled.

Control

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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\ Value Name: UseLogonCredential Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Discussion

When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) exposing them to theft. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows 11. This setting ensures this is enforced.

Related controls

CCI-000381

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide >> "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled". The patch referenced in the policy title is not required for Windows 11. This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. "SecGuide.admx" and "SecGuide.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.