Vulnerability Discussion

Basic authentication uses plain text passwords that could be used to compromise a system.

Check

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: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Service\

Value Name: AllowBasic

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Remote Management (WinRM) >> WinRM Service >> "Allow Basic authentication" to "Disabled".

Severity Override Guidance: The AO can allow the severity override if they have reviewed the overall protection. This would only be allowed temporarily for implementation as documented and approved.
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Allowing Basic authentication to be used for the sole creation of Office 365 DoD tenants.
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A documented mechanism and or script that can disable Basic authentication once administration completes.
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Use of a Privileged Access Workstation (PAW) and adherence to the Clean Source principle for administration.