The Exchange Internet Message Access Protocol 4 (IMAP4) service must be disabled.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-228371	EX16-MB-000180	SV-228371r612748_rule		Medium

Description
IMAP4 is not approved for use within the DoD. It uses a clear-text-based user name and password and does not support the DoD standard for PKI for email access. User name and password could easily be captured from the network, allowing a malicious user to access other system features. Uninstalling or disabling the service will prevent the use of the IMAP4 protocol.

STIG	Date
Microsoft Exchange 2016 Mailbox Server Security Technical Implementation Guide	2021-06-23

Details

Check Text ( C-30604r572118_chk )

Note: This requirement applies to IMAP4. IMAP Secure is not restricted and does not apply to this requirement. Open the Windows Power Shell and enter the following command: Get-ItemProperty 'hklm:\system\currentcontrolset\services\MSExchangeIMAP4' | Select Start Note: The hklm:\system\currentcontrolset\services\MSExchangeIMAP4 value must be in single quotes. If the value of "Start" is not set to "4", this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-30589r496910_fix)
Open the Windows Power Shell and enter the following command: services.msc Navigate to and double-click on "Microsoft Exchange IMAP4 Backend". Click on the "General" tab. In the "Startup Type" dropdown, select "Disabled". Click the "OK" button.