2.2.17 Ensure 'Deny log on as a batch job' to include 'Guests'

Information

This policy setting determines which accounts will not be able to log on to the computer as a batch job.

A batch job is not a batch (.bat) file, but rather a batch-queue facility.

Accounts that use the Task Scheduler to schedule jobs need this user right.

This user right supersedes the 'Log on as a batch job' user right, which could be used to allow accounts to schedule jobs that consume excessive system resources.

Such an occurrence could cause a DoS condition.

Failure to assign this user right to the recommended accounts can be a security risk.

The recommended state for this setting is to include: 'Guests'.

Rationale:
Accounts that have the 'Log on as a batch job' user right could be used to schedule jobs that could consume excessive computer resources and cause a DoS condition.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to include 'Guests':


Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\Deny log on as a batch job


Impact:
If you assign the 'Deny log on as a batch job' user right to other accounts, you could deny users who are assigned to specific administrative roles the ability to perform their required job activities.

You should confirm that delegated tasks will not be affected adversely.

For example, if you assign this user right to the 'IWAM_'_(ComputerName)_ account, the MSM Management Point will fail.

On a newly installed computer that runs Windows Server 2003 this account does not belong to the 'Guests' group, but on a computer that was upgraded from Windows 2000 this account is a member of the 'Guests' group.

Therefore, it is important that you understand which accounts belong to any groups that you assign the 'Deny log on as a batch job' user right.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/1929