18.5.20.1 Ensure 'Configuration of wireless settings using Windows Connect Now' is set to 'Disabled' - DisableWPDRegistrar

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Information

This policy setting allows the configuration of wireless settings using Windows Connect Now (WCN). The WCN Registrar enables the discovery and configuration of devices over Ethernet (UPnP) over in-band 802.11 Wi-Fi through the Windows Portable Device API (WPD) and via USB Flash drives. Additional options are available to allow discovery and configuration over a specific medium.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

This setting enhances the security of the environment and reduces the overall risk exposure related to user configuration of wireless settings.

Impact:

WCN operations are disabled over all media.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Network\Windows Connect Now\Configuration of wireless settings using Windows Connect Now

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

Default Value:

WCN operations are enabled and allowed over all media.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4063