5.18 (L2) Ensure 'PNRP Machine Name Publication Service (PNRPAutoReg)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This service publishes a machine name using the Peer Name Resolution Protocol. Configuration is managed via the netsh context p2p pnrp peer.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.
Rationale:
Peer Name Resolution Protocol is a distributed and (mostly) serverless way to handle name resolution of clients with each other. In a high security environment, it is more secure to rely on centralized name resolution methods maintained by authorized staff.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled.
Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\PNRP Machine Name Publication Service
Impact:
Some peer-to-peer and collaborative applications, such as Remote Assistance, may not function.
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