Windows Server 2019 minimum password age must be configured to at least one day.

Documentable No

Rule ID SV-205656r1051064_rule

CCI References

CCI-004066CCI-000198

Discussion

Permitting passwords to be changed in immediate succession within the same day allows users to cycle passwords through their history database. This enables users to effectively negate the purpose of mandating periodic password changes.

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 >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for the "Minimum password age" is set to "0" days ("Password can be changed immediately"), this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

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

If "MinimumPasswordAge" equals "0" in the file, this is a finding.

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Minimum password age" to at least "1" day.