5.12 (L2) Ensure 'Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service (MSiSCSI)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

Manages Internet SCSI (iSCSI) sessions from this computer to remote target devices.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.
Rationale:
This service is critically necessary in order to directly attach to an iSCSI device. However, iSCSI itself uses a very weak authentication protocol (CHAP), which means that the passwords for iSCSI communication are easily exposed, unless all of the traffic is isolated and/or encrypted using another technology like IPsec. This service is generally more appropriate for servers in a controlled environment then on workstations requiring high security.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled.
Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service
Impact:
The computer will not be able to directly login to or access iSCSI targets.
Default Value:
Manual
CIS Controls:
Version 6
9.1 Limit Open Ports, Protocols, and Services
Ensure that only ports, protocols, and services with validated business needs are running on each system.
Version 7
9.2 Ensure Only Approved Ports, Protocols and Services Are Running
Ensure that only network ports, protocols, and services listening on a system with validated business needs, are running on each system.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2288