Network Access: Restrict remote calls to the Security Account Manager [SAM] to Administrators

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Network Access: Must restrict remote calls to the Security Account Manager (SAM) to Administrators on domain-joined member servers and standalone systems.

The Windows SAM stores users' passwords. Restricting Remote Procedure Call (RPC) connections to the SAM to Administrators helps protect those credentials.

Remediation

Set the restriction by navigating to the policy:
Computer Configuration
|_ Windows Settings
|_ Security Settings
|_ Local Policies
|_ Security Options
|_ Network access: Restrict clients allowed to make remote calls to SAM

Select "Edit Security" to configure the "Security descriptor:".

Add "Administrators" in "Group or user names:" if it is not already listed (this is the default).

Select "Administrators" in "Group or user names:".

Select "Allow" for "Remote Access" in "Permissions for "Administrators".

Click "OK".

The "Security descriptor:" must be populated with "O:BAG:BAD:(A;;RC;;;BA) for the policy to be enforced.

STIG: Server
2022: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_server_2022/2023-09-11/finding/V-254433
2019: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_server_2019/2023-09-11/finding/V-205747 / https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_server_2019/2020-06-15/finding/V-93045
2016: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_server_2016/2023-08-22/finding/V-225013 / https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_server_2016/2020-06-16/finding/V-73677

Desktop:
W11: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_11/2023-09-29/finding/V-253457
W10: https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/microsoft_windows_10/2023-09-29/finding/V-220933 / https://www.stigviewer.com/stig/windows_10/2021-08-18/finding/V-220933

Nist 800-53: AC-6(3)