Windows Server 2022 • Release: 7 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026

CAT II V-254334 WN22-CC-000020

Windows Server 2022 must have WDigest Authentication disabled.

Documentable No
Rule ID SV-254334r958478_rule
CCI References
CCI-000381

Discussion

When the WDigest Authentication protocol is enabled, plain-text passwords are stored in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), exposing them to theft. WDigest is disabled by default in Windows Server 2022. This setting ensures this is enforced.

Check Procedure

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path:  \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\Wdigest\

Value Name:  UseLogonCredential

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00000000 (0)

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> MS Security Guide . Set "WDigest Authentication (disabling may require KB2871997)" to "Disabled".

This policy setting requires the installation of the SecGuide custom templates included with the STIG package. "SecGuide.admx" and " SecGuide.adml" must be copied to the \Windows\PolicyDefinitions and \Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US directories respectively.