5.39 Ensure 'Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) (WinRM)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service implements the WS-Management protocol for remote management. WS-Management is a standard web services protocol used for remote software and hardware management. The WinRM service listens on the network for WS-Management requests and processes them.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

Features that enable inbound network connections increase the attack surface. In a high security environment, management of secure workstations should be handled locally.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled.

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Windows Remote Management (WS-Management)

Impact:

The ability to remotely manage the system with WinRM will be lost.

Note: Many remote administration tools, such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), may require the WinRM service to be operational for remote management.

Default Value:

Manual

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2550