Windows Server 2016 built-in guest account must be renamed.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-225027	WN16-SO-000040	SV-225027r569186_rule		Medium

Description
The built-in guest account is a well-known user account on all Windows systems and, as initially installed, does not require a password. This can allow access to system resources by unauthorized users. Renaming this account to an unidentified name improves the protection of this account and the system.

STIG	Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide	2023-08-22

Details

Check Text ( C-26718r465983_chk )
Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor. Run "gpedit.msc". Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options. If the value for "Accounts: Rename guest account" is not set to a value other than "Guest", this is a finding. For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt If "NewGuestName" is not something other than "Guest" in the file, this is a finding.

Check Text ( C-26718r465983_chk )

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.

Run "gpedit.msc".

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options.

If the value for "Accounts: Rename guest account" is not set to a value other than "Guest", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "NewGuestName" is not something other than "Guest" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-26706r465984_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Rename guest account" to a name other than "Guest".