The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right must only be assigned to Administrators, Service, Local Service, and Network Service.

Documentable No

Rule ID SV-253498r1138526_rule

CCI References

CCI-002235

Discussion

Inappropriate granting of user rights can provide system, administrative, and other high-level capabilities. The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right allows a program to impersonate another user or account to run on their behalf. An attacker could potentially use this to elevate privileges.

Check Procedure

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 >> User Rights Assignment.

If any groups or accounts other than the following are granted the "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right, this is a finding:

Administrators
LOCAL SERVICE
NETWORK SERVICE
RESTRICTED SERVICES\PrintSpoolerService
SERVICE

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> "Impersonate a client after authentication" to only include the following groups or accounts:

Administrators
LOCAL SERVICE
NETWORK SERVICE
RESTRICTED SERVICES\PrintSpoolerService
SERVICE