V-205908
SV-205908r991589_rule
CAT I
Windows Server 2019 must prevent local accounts with blank passwords from being used from the network.
From: Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Security Technical Implementation Guide (V3R8)
Description
<VulnDiscussion>An account without a password can allow unauthorized access to a system as only the username would be required. Password policies should prevent accounts with blank passwords from existing on a system. However, if a local account with a blank password does exist, enabling this setting will prevent network access, limiting the account to local console logon only.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
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\Lsa\
Value Name: LimitBlankPasswordUse
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000001 (1)
Fix Text
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only" to "Enabled".
CCI Reference
CCI-000366- Created
- 2026-04-07 20:08:25
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07 20:08:25