WPAW-00-001800 - If several Windows PAWs are set up in virtual machines (VMs) on a host server, the host server must only contain PAW VMs. If the PAW is hosted, the hosting system must be separated either physically or logically from other servers. The server is restricted to only PAW hosting functions - VMs on a host server, the host server must only contain PAW VMs.

Information

A main security architectural construct of a PAW is to remove nonadministrative functions from the PAW. Many standard user functions, including email processing, internet browsing, and using business applications, can increase the security risk of the workstation. These apps and functions are susceptible to many security vulnerabilities, including phishing attacks and embedded malware. This increased risk is not acceptable for the highly privileged activities of a PAW. This requirement enforces this security concept in an environment where multiple PAW VMs are installed on a host server.

Note: Relationship between the exception in WPAW-00-000500 and WPAW-00-001000 and requirement WPAW-00-001800: WPAW-00-000500 and WPAW-00-001000 allow an exception to the requirement for sites constrained in the number of available workstations. Lower-tier, high-value admin accounts can operate in a VM if the higher-tier, high-value admin accounts operate in the VM host-OS, but WPAW-00-001800 is more appropriate for a multiple PAW VM environment.

NOTE: Nessus has not performed this check. Please review the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Install only PAW VMs on a host server designated for PAWs.

Item Details

Audit Name: DISA Microsoft Windows PAW STIG v3r2

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 8f8074372bf34c251253ba3c00b58596c6d146d86dc996bcd1b0be552113abba

Detections

Analytics

Information

Solution

See Also

Item Details