V-278244
SV-278244r1182211_rule
CAT II
The Windows Server 2025 "Back up files and directories" user right must only be assigned to the Administrators group.
From: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide (V1R1)
Description
<VulnDiscussion>Inappropriately granting user rights provides system, administrative, and other high-level capabilities.
Accounts with the "Back up files and directories" user right can circumvent file and directory permissions and could allow access to sensitive data.</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 >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment.
If any accounts or groups other than the following are granted the "Back up files and directories" user right, this is a finding:
- Administrators.
For server core installations, run the following command:
Secedit /Export /Areas User_Rights /cfg c:\path\filename.txt
Review the text file.
If any SIDs other than the following are granted the "SeBackupPrivilege" user right, this is a finding:
S-1-5-32-544 (Administrators)
If an application requires this user right, this is not a finding.
Vendor documentation must support the requirement for having the user right.
The requirement must be documented with the information system security officer (ISSO).
The application account must meet requirements for application account passwords, such as length (WN25-00-000050) and required frequency of changes (WN25-00-000060).
Fix Text
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> Back up files and directories to include only the following accounts or groups:
- Administrators.
CCI Reference
CCI-002235- Created
- 2026-04-07 20:08:26
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07 20:08:26