5.16 (L2) Ensure 'PNRP Machine Name Publication Service (PNRPAutoReg)' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This service publishes a machine name using the Peer Name Resolution Protocol. Configuration is managed via the netsh context 'p2p pnrp peer'.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled

Peer Name Resolution Protocol is a distributed and (mostly) serverless way to handle name resolution of clients with each other. In a high security environment, it is more secure to rely on centralized name resolution methods maintained by authorized staff.

Solution

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\PNRP Machine Name Publication Service

Impact:

Some peer-to-peer and collaborative applications, such as Remote Assistance, may not function.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/16515