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Windows PowerShell 2.0 must not be installed on Windows 2012/2012 R2.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-225265 WN12-00-000220 SV-225265r569185_rule Medium
Description
Windows PowerShell versions 4.0 (with a patch) and 5.x add advanced logging features that can provide additional detail when malware has been run on a system. Ensuring Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed as well mitigates against a downgrade attack that evades the advanced logging features of later Windows PowerShell versions.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Member Server Security Technical Implementation Guide 2020-10-15

Details

Check Text ( C-26964r471137_chk )
Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed by default.

Open "Windows PowerShell".

Enter "Get-WindowsFeature -Name PowerShell-v2".

If "Installed State" is "Installed", this is a finding.

An Installed State of "Available" or "Removed" is not a finding.
Fix Text (F-26952r471138_fix)
Windows PowerShell 2.0 is not installed by default.

Uninstall it if it has been installed.

Open "Windows PowerShell".

Enter "Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name PowerShell-v2".

Alternately:

Use the "Remove Roles and Features Wizard" and deselect "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine" under "Windows PowerShell".