18.9.102.2.3 Ensure 'Allow unencrypted traffic' is set to 'Disabled'

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Information

This policy setting allows you to manage whether the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service sends and receives unencrypted messages over the network.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Encrypting WinRM network traffic reduces the risk of an attacker viewing or modifying WinRM messages as they transit the network.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Disabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Remote Management (WinRM)\WinRM Service\Allow unencrypted traffic

Note: This Group Policy path is provided by the Group Policy template WindowsRemoteManagement.admx/adml that is included with all versions of the Microsoft Windows Administrative Templates.

Default Value:

Disabled. (The WinRM service sends or receives only encrypted messages over the network.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3719