1.2.3.4.2.3.2 Configure 'Always prompt for password upon connection'

Information

This policy setting specifies whether Terminal Services always prompts the client computer for a password upon connection. You can use this policy setting to enforce a password prompt for users who log on to Terminal Services, even if they already provided the password in the Remote Desktop Connection client. By default, Terminal Services allows users to automatically log on if they enter a password in the Remote Desktop Connection client. The Always prompt client for password upon connection setting is configured to Enabled for both of the environments that are discussed in this guide. Note If you do not configure this policy setting, the local computer administrator can use the Terminal Services Configuration tool to either allow or prevent passwords from being automatically sent. Users have the option to store both their username and password when they create a new Remote Desktop connection shortcut. If the server that runs Terminal Services allows users who have used this feature to log on to the server but not enter their password, then it is possible that an attacker who has gained physical access to the user's computer could connect to a Terminal Server through the Remote Desktop connection shortcut, even though they may not know the user's password.

Solution

Configure the following Group Policy setting in a manner that is consistent with the security and operational requirements of your organization-

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Security\Always prompt for password upon connection

Impact- Users will always have to enter their password when they establish new Terminal Server sessions.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/42

Item Details

Category: ACCESS CONTROL, IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION

References: 800-53|AC-17(6), 800-53|IA-2, CCE|CCE-3666-5

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 95dbe0a912f90729ef8591238233dbd64805388ef4e244f560f3835664f13c28