Information
Windows Server 2022 must have WDigest Authentication disabled.
GROUP ID: V-254334
RULE ID: SV-254334r958478
When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain-text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), exposing them to theft. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows Server 2022. This setting ensures this is enforced.
Solution
Configure the policy value for
Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide . Set 'WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)' to 'Disabled'
This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. 'SecGuide.admx' and ' SecGuide.adml' must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.