Information
This policy setting allows users to configure the system-wide environment variables that affect hardware configuration. This information is typically stored in the Last Known Good Configuration. Modification of these values and could lead to a hardware failure that would result in a denial of service condition.
The recommended state for this setting is: Administrators.
Note: This user right is considered a 'sensitive privilege' for the purposes of auditing.
Rationale:
Anyone who is assigned the Modify firmware environment values user right could configure the settings of a hardware component to cause it to fail, which could lead to data corruption or a DoS condition.
Impact:
None - this is the default behavior.
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\Modify firmware environment values
Default Value:
Administrators.
Additional Information:
This Benchmark Recommendation maps to:
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide:
Version 1, Release 13, Benchmark Date: May 15, 2020
Vul ID: V-73795
Rule ID: SV-88459r2_rule
STIG ID: WN16-UR-000270
Severity: CAT II