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The Exchange POP3 service must be disabled.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-69977 EX13-MB-000095 SV-84599r2_rule Medium
Description
The POP3 protocol 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 POP3 protocol.
STIG Date
MS Exchange 2013 Mailbox Server Security Technical Implementation Guide 2019-12-23

Details

Check Text ( C-70447r2_chk )
Open the Windows Power Shell and enter the following command:

Get-ItemProperty 'hklm:\system\currentcontrolset\services\MSExchangePOP3be' | Select Start

Note: The hklm:\system\currentcontrolset\services\MSExchangePOP3 value must be in quotes.

If the value of Start is not set to 4, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-76209r1_fix)
Open the Windows Power Shell and enter the following command:

services.msc

Navigate to and double-click on Microsoft Exchange POP3 Backend.

Click on the "General" tab.

In the Startup Type: dropdown, select Disabled.

Click the OK button.