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

CAT III V-254481 WN22-SO-000370

Windows Server 2022 default permissions of global system objects must be strengthened.

Documentable No
Rule ID SV-254481r991589_rule
CCI References
CCI-000366

Discussion

Windows systems maintain a global list of shared system resources such as DOS device names, mutexes, and semaphores. Each type of object is created with a default Discretionary Access Control List (DACL) that specifies who can access the objects with what permissions. When this policy is enabled, the default DACL is stronger, allowing nonadministrative users to read shared objects but not to modify shared objects they did not create.

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\Session Manager\

Value Name: ProtectionMode

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000001 (1)

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> System objects: Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects (e.g., Symbolic Links) to "Enabled".