This is not the latest version of the STIG. This is provided for archival purposes. See the latest STIG.

The Windows Remote Management (WinRM) client must not use Basic authentication.

STIG ID: WN16-CC-000500  |  SRG: SRG-OS-000125-GPOS-00065 |  Severity: high (CAT I)  |  CCI: CCI-000877 |  Vulnerability Id: V-224958

Vulnerability Discussion

Basic authentication uses plain-text passwords that could be used to compromise a system. Disabling Basic authentication will reduce this potential.

Check

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WinRM\Client\

Value Name: AllowBasic

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000000 (0)

Fix

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Remote Management (WinRM) >> WinRM Client >> "Allow Basic authentication" to "Disabled".