STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows 11 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 8 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Unencrypted passwords must not be sent to third-party SMB Servers.

DISA Rule

SV-253450r987796_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-253450

Group Title

SRG-OS-000074-GPOS-00042

Rule Version

WN11-SO-000110

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000197 - For password-based authentication, transmit passwords only cryptographically-protected channels.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Local Policies >> Security Options >> "Microsoft network client: Send unencrypted password to third-party SMB servers" to "Disabled".

Check Contents

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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters\

Value Name: EnablePlainTextPassword

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

Vulnerability Number

V-253450

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN11-SO-000110

Severity Override Guidance

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: \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters\

Value Name: EnablePlainTextPassword

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5471