Windows Server 2022 must have the built-in guest account disabled.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-254445 | WN22-SO-000010 | SV-254445r958504_rule | Medium |
| Description |
| A system faces an increased vulnerability threat if the built-in guest account is not disabled. This is a known account that exists on all Windows systems and cannot be deleted. This account is initialized during the installation of the operating system with no password assigned. |
| STIG | Date |
| Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-01-14 |
Details
| Check Text (C-57930r849149_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: Guest account status" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding. For server core installations, run the following command: Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt If "EnableGuestAccount" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding. |
| Fix Text (F-57881r849150_fix) |
| Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Accounts: Guest account status to "Disabled". |