Vulnerability Discussion

When directory service database objects do not have appropriate access control permissions, it may be possible for malicious users to create, read, update, or delete the objects and degrade or destroy the integrity of the data. When the directory service is used for identification, authentication, or authorization functions, a compromise of the database objects could lead to a compromise of all systems relying on the directory service.

For Active Directory (AD), the Group Policy objects require special attention. In a distributed administration model (i.e., help desk), Group Policy objects are more likely to have access permissions changed from the secure defaults. If inappropriate access permissions are defined for Group Policy objects, this could allow an intruder to change the security policy applied to all domain client computers (workstations and servers).

Check

This applies to domain controllers. It is NA for other systems.

Review the permissions on Group Policy objects.

Open "Group Policy Management" (available from various menus or run "gpmc.msc").

Navigate to "Group Policy Objects" in the domain being reviewed (Forest >> Domains >> Domain).

For each Group Policy object:

Select the Group Policy object item in the left pane.

Select the "Delegation" tab in the right pane.

Select "Advanced".

Select each Group or user name.

View the permissions.

If any standard user accounts or groups have "Allow" permissions greater than "Read" and "Apply group policy", this is a finding.

Other access permissions that allow the objects to be updated are considered findings unless specifically documented by the ISSO.

The default permissions noted below satisfy this requirement.

The permissions shown are at the summary level. To view more detailed permissions, select the next "Advanced" button, the desired Permission entry, and then click "Edit".

Authenticated Users - Read, Apply group policy, Special permissions

The special permissions for Authenticated Users are for Read-type Properties. If detailed permissions include any Create, Delete, Modify, or Write Permissions or Properties, this is a finding.

The special permissions for the following default groups are not the focus of this requirement and may include a wide range of permissions and properties:

CREATOR OWNER - Special permissions
SYSTEM - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
Domain Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
Enterprise Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS - Read, Special permissions

Fix

Maintain the permissions on Group Policy objects to not allow greater than "Read" and "Apply group policy" for standard user accounts or groups. The default permissions below meet this requirement:

Authenticated Users - Read, Apply group policy, Special permissions

The special permissions for Authenticated Users are for Read-type Properties.

CREATOR OWNER - Special permissions
SYSTEM - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
Domain Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
Enterprise Admins - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Delete all child objects, Special permissions
ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS - Read, Special permissions

Document any other access permissions that allow the objects to be updated with the ISSO.