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Desk

WN22-00-000240 Windows Server 2022 must have software certificate installation files removed.

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

Maps to CM-6 via CCI-000366

Title

Windows Server 2022 must have software certificate installation files removed.

Control

Search all drives for *.p12 and *.pfx files. If any files with these extensions exist, this is a finding. This does not apply to server-based applications that have a requirement for .p12 or .pfx certificate files. Some applications create files with extensions of .p12 or .pfx that are not certificate installation files. Removal of noncertificate installation files from systems is not required. These must be documented with the information system security officer (ISSO).

Discussion

Use of software certificates and their accompanying installation files for end users to access resources is less secure than the use of hardware-based certificates.

Related controls

CCI-000366

Fix

Remove any certificate installation files (*.p12 and *.pfx) found on a system. Note: This does not apply to server-based applications that have a requirement for .p12 or .pfx certificate files.