V-205653
SV-205653r1051062_rule
CAT I
Windows Server 2019 reversible password encryption must be disabled.
From: Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide (V3R8)
Description
<VulnDiscussion>Storing passwords using reversible encryption is essentially the same as storing clear-text versions of the passwords, which are easily compromised. For this reason, this policy must never be enabled.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
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 "Store passwords using reversible encryption" 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 "ClearTextPassword" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding.
Fix Text
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy >> "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".
CCI Reference
CCI-004062,CCI-000196- Created
- 2026-04-07 20:08:25
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07 20:08:25