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WN25-DC-000120 Windows Server 2025 data files owned by users must be on a different logical partition from the directory server data files.

DISA STIG library V1R4
All changes in this version
first version loaded CAT II

Maps to SC-4 via CCI-001090

Title

Windows Server 2025 data files owned by users must be on a different logical partition from the directory server data files.

Control

This applies to domain controllers. It is not applicable for other systems. Run "Regedit". Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NTDS\Parameters". Note the directory locations in the values for "DSA Database file". Open a command prompt. Enter "net share". Note the logical drive(s) or file system partition for any organization-created data shares. Ignore system shares (e.g., NETLOGON, SYSVOL, and administrative shares ending in $). User shares that are hidden (ending with $) must not be ignored. If user shares are located on the same logical partition as the directory server data files, this is a finding.

Discussion

When directory service data files, especially for directories used for identification, authentication, or authorization, reside on the same logical partition as user-owned files, the directory service data may be more vulnerable to unauthorized access or other availability compromises. Directory service and user-owned data files sharing a partition may be configured with less restrictive permissions to allow access to the user data. The directory service may be vulnerable to a denial-of-service (DoS) attack when user-owned files on a common partition are expanded to an extent preventing the directory service from acquiring more space for directory or audit data.

Related controls

CCI-001090

Fix

Move shares used to store files owned by users to a different logical partition than the directory server data files.