1.7.1 Ensure 'Allow Basic authentication for HTTP' is set to 'Disabled'

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Information

This policy setting determines if Basic authentication receives challenges over non-secure HTTP. Basic authentication is a non-secure authentication method that relies on sending the username and password to the server in plaintext.

Note: This policy setting is ignored (and Basic is always forbidden) if the AuthSchemes (Supported authentication schemes) policy is set and does not include Basic.

The recommended state for this setting is Disabled.

Rationale:

Basic authentication is less robust than other authentication methods available because credentials including passwords are transmitted in plain text. An attacker who is able to capture these credentials in plain text can gain access to the system.

Impact:

Non-secure HTTP requests from the Basic authentication scheme are blocked, and only secure HTTPS is allowed.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\HTTP authentication\Allow Basic authentication for HTTP

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template MSEdge.admx/adml that can be downloaded from Microsoft here.

Default Value:

Enabled. (Basic authentication challenges received over non-secure HTTP will be allowed.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4094