Windows Server 2022 must prevent local accounts with blank passwords from being used from the network.
Severity | Group ID | Group Title | Version | Rule ID | Date | STIG Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| high | V-254446 | SRG-OS-000480-GPOS-00227 | WN22-SO-000020 | SV-254446r991589_rule | 2025-02-25 | 2 |
| Description |
|---|
| An account without a password can allow unauthorized access to a system as only the username would be required. Password policies must prevent accounts with blank passwords from existing on a system. However, if a local account with a blank password does exist, enabling this setting will prevent network access, limiting the account to local console logon only. |
| ℹ️ Check |
|---|
| 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\Lsa\ Value Name: LimitBlankPasswordUse Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000001 (1) |
| ✔️ Fix |
|---|
| Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only to "Enabled". |