5.10 (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

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14249

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-4, CSCv6|9.1, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: abe8462e9d24d6745cd1243b8bda4edb33aa3dbb01a9ad8d15f074418bb684e4