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Desk

WN22-SO-000010 Windows Server 2022 must have the built-in guest account disabled.

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

Maps to IA-8 via CCI-000804

Title

Windows Server 2022 must have the built-in guest account disabled.

Control

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options. If the value for "Accounts: Guest account status" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding. For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt If "EnableGuestAccount" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding.

Discussion

A system faces an increased vulnerability threat if the built-in guest account is not disabled. This is a known account that exists on all Windows systems and cannot be deleted. This account is initialized during the installation of the operating system with no password assigned.

Related controls

CCI-000804

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Accounts: Guest account status to "Disabled".