2.2.39 (L1) Ensure 'Take ownership of files or other objects' is set to 'Administrators'

Information

This policy setting allows users to take ownership of files, folders, registry keys, processes, or threads. This user right bypasses any permissions that are in place to protect objects to give ownership to the specified user.

The recommended state for this setting is: Administrators

Note: This user right is considered a 'sensitive privilege' for the purposes of auditing.

Any users with the Take ownership of files or other objects user right can take control of any object, regardless of the permissions on that object, and then make any changes they wish to that object. Such changes could result in exposure of data, corruption of data, or a DoS condition.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Administrators :

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\Take ownership of files or other objects

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/17610