Skip to main content
CUI

STIG Rule - V-278253

V-278253

SV-278253r1182221_rule

CAT II

The Windows Server 2025 "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right must only be assigned to Administrators, Service, Local Service, and Network Service.

From: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide (V1R1)

Description

<VulnDiscussion>Inappropriately granting user rights provides system, administrative, and other high-level capabilities. The "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right allows a program to impersonate another user or account to run on their behalf. An attacker could use this to elevate privileges.</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 "Impersonate a client after authentication" user right, this is a finding: - Administrators. - Service. - Local Service. - Network Service. 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 "SeImpersonatePrivilege" user right, this is a finding: S-1-5-32-544 (Administrators) S-1-5-6 (Service) S-1-5-19 (Local Service) S-1-5-20 (Network Service) 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 >> Impersonate a client after authentication to include only the following accounts or groups: - Administrators. - Service. - Local Service. - Network Service.

CCI Reference

CCI-002235
Created
2026-04-07 20:08:26
Last Updated
2026-04-07 20:08:26
CUI