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Windows Server 2022 passwords for the built-in Administrator account must be changed at least every 60 days.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-254239 WN22-00-000020 SV-254239r1000150_rule Medium
Description
The longer a password is in use, the greater the opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized knowledge of the password. The built-in Administrator account is not generally used and its password may not be changed as frequently as necessary. Changing the password for the built-in Administrator account on a regular basis will limit its exposure. Windows LAPS must be used to change the built-in Administrator account password.
STIG Date
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2024-06-14

Details

Check Text ( C-57724r951093_chk )
If there are no enabled local Administrator accounts, this is Not Applicable.

Review the password last set date for the enabled local Administrator account.

On the stand alone or domain-joined workstation:

Open "PowerShell".

Enter "Get-LocalUser -Name * | Select-Object *".

If the "PasswordLastSet" date is greater than "60" days old for the local Administrator account for administering the computer/domain, this is a finding.

Verify LAPS is configured and operational.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> LAPS >> Password Settings >> Set to enabled. Password Complexity, large letters + small letters + numbers + special, Password Length 14, Password Age 60. If not configured as shown, this is a finding.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> LAPS >> Password Settings >> Name of administrator Account to manage >> Set to enabled >> Administrator account name is populated. If it is not, this is a finding.

Verify LAPS Operational logs >> Event Viewer >> Applications and Services Logs >> Microsoft >> Windows >> LAPS >> Operational. Verify LAPS policy process is completing. If it is not, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-57675r951094_fix)
Change the enabled local Administrator account password at least every 60 days. Windows LAPS must be used to change the built-in Administrator account password. Domain-joined systems can configure this to occur more frequently. LAPS will change the password every 30 days by default.

More information is available at:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/by-popular-demand-windows-laps-available-now/ba-p/3788747
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview#windows-laps-supported-platforms-and-azure-ad-laps-preview-status