STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 2 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Windows Server 2025 reversible password encryption must be disabled.

DISA Rule

SV-278040r1180826_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278040

Group Title

SRG-OS-000073-GPOS-00041

Rule Version

WN25-AC-000090

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

• CCI-004062 - For password-based authentication, store passwords using an approved salted key derivation function, preferably using a keyed hash.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy. Set "Store passwords using reversible encryption" to "Disabled".

Check Contents

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.

Run gpedit.msc.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for "Store passwords using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "ClearTextPassword" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278040

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WN25-AC-000090

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the effective setting in Local Group Policy Editor.

Run gpedit.msc.

Navigate to Local Computer Policy >> Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Account Policies >> Password Policy.

If the value for "Store passwords using reversible encryption" is not set to "Disabled", this is a finding.

For server core installations, run the following command:

Secedit /Export /Areas SecurityPolicy /CFG C:\Path\FileName.Txt

If "ClearTextPassword" equals "1" in the file, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5719