Vulnerability Discussion

Multiple network connections can provide additional attack vectors to a system and must be limited. The "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" setting prevents systems from automatically establishing multiple connections. When both wired and wireless connections are available, for example, the less-preferred connection (typically wireless) will be disconnected.

Check

The default behavior for "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" is "Enabled".

If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "3", this is not a finding.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WcmSvc\GroupPolicy\

Value Name: fMinimizeConnections

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 3 (or if the Value Name does not exist)

Fix

The default behavior for "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" is "Enabled".

If this must be corrected, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Network >> Windows Connection Manager >> "Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain" to "Enabled".

Under "Options", set "Minimize Policy Options" to "3 = Prevent Wi-Fi When on Ethernet".