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WN22-00-000020 Windows Server 2022 passwords for the built-in Administrator account must be changed at least every 180 days.

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

Maps to IA-5(1) via CCI-004066, CCI-000199

Title

Windows Server 2022 passwords for the built-in Administrator account must be changed at least every 180 days.

Control

If there are no enabled local Administrator accounts, this is Not Applicable. Review the password last set date for the enabled local Administrator account. On the stand alone or domain-joined server: Open "PowerShell". Enter "Get-LocalUser | Where-Object {$_.SID -like "*500"} | ForEach-Object ($_.PasswordLastSet){"$($_.Name) password is: $([int]((Get-Date) - $_.PasswordLastSet).TotalDays) days old"}". If the "PasswordLastSet" date is greater than "180" days old for the local Administrator account for administering the computer, this is a finding. Verify LAPS is configured and operational. If the system is a stand alone member server, the LAPS portion of this requirement is Not Applicable. Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> LAPS >> Password Settings >> Set to enabled. Password Complexity, large letters + small letters + numbers + special, Password Length 14, Password Age 180. If not configured as shown, this is a finding. Verify LAPS Operational logs >> Event Viewer >> Applications and Services Logs >> Microsoft >> Windows >> LAPS >> Operational. Verify LAPS policy process is completing. If it is not, this is a finding.

Discussion

The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the password. The built-in Administrator account is not generally used and its password may not be changed as frequently as necessary. Changing the password for the built-in Administrator account on a regular basis will limit its exposure. For domain-joined systems, Windows LAPS must be used to change the built-in Administrator account password.

Related controls

CCI-000199, CCI-004066

Fix

Change the enabled local Administrator account password at least every 180 days. Windows LAPS, must be used on domain-joined member servers to accomplish this for the builtin Admnistrator account. The AO still has the overall authority to use another equivalent capability to accomplish the check. More information is available at: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/by-popular-demand-windows-laps-available-now/ba-p/3788747 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview#windows-laps-supported-platforms-and-azure-ad-laps-preview-status