Exchange software must be installed on a separate partition from the OS.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-221257	EX16-ED-000620	SV-221257r612603_rule		Medium

Description
In the same way that added security layers can provide a cumulative positive effect on security posture, multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to the host system can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system. Email services should be installed on a partition that does not host other applications. Email services should never be installed on a Domain Controller/Directory Services server.

Description

In the same way that added security layers can provide a cumulative positive effect on security posture, multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to the host system can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system. Email services should be installed on a partition that does not host other applications. Email services should never be installed on a Domain Controller/Directory Services server.

STIG	Date
Microsoft Exchange 2016 Edge Transport Server Security Technical Implementation Guide	2020-12-10

Details

Check Text ( C-22972r411897_chk )
Review the Email Domain Security Plan (EDSP). Determine the directory where Exchange is installed. Open Windows Explorer. Navigate to the location where Exchange is installed. If Exchange resides on a directory or partition other than that of the OS and does not have other applications installed (without associated approval from the ISSO), this is not a finding.

Fix Text (F-22961r411898_fix)
Update the EDSP to reflect the directory where Exchange is installed. Install Exchange on a dedicated application directory or partition separate than that of the OS.