Windows Server 2022 must have the built-in guest account disabled.

Documentable No

Rule ID SV-254445r958504_rule

CCI References

CCI-000804

Discussion

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.

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 >> 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 Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> Accounts: Guest account status to "Disabled".