5.9 Ensure 'Microsoft FTP Service (FTPSVC)' is set to 'Disabled' or 'Not Installed'

Information

Enables the server to be a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server.

The recommended state for this setting is: 'Disabled' or 'Not Installed'.

Note: This service is not installed by default.

It is supplied with Windows, but is installed by enabling an optional Windows feature (_Internet Information Services - FTP Server_).

Rationale:
Hosting an FTP server (especially a non-secure FTP server) from a workstation is an increased security risk, as the attack surface of that workstation is then greatly increased.

Note: This security concern applies to _any_ FTP server application installed on a workstation, not just IIS.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: 'Disabled' or ensure the service is not installed.


Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Microsoft FTP Service


Impact:
The computer will not function as an FTP server.

See Also

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

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-7

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 03c86f0869065d7d99c7e2dda2e4993e6e945bf4cf1490bb19cd2158fb1ead55