CIS Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Release 1909 Benchmark

5.12 (L2) Ensure 'Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service (MSiSCSI)' is set to 'Disabled' (Scored)

ProfileApplicability:

 Level 2 (L2) - High Security/Sensitive Data Environment (limited functionality)

Description:

Manages Internet SCSI (iSCSI) sessions from this computer to remote target devices.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled .

Rationale:

This service is critically necessary in order to directly attach to an iSCSI device. However, iSCSI itself uses a very weak authentication protocol (CHAP), which means that the passwords for iSCSI communication are easily exposed, unless all of the traffic is isolated and/or encrypted using another technology like IPsec. This service is generally more appropriate for servers in a controlled environment then on workstations requiring high security.

Audit:

Navigate to the UI Path articulated in the Remediation section and confirm it is set as prescribed. This group policy setting is backed by the following registry location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSiSCSI:Start

Remediation:

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to: Disabled .

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\System Services\Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service

Impact:

The computer will not be able to directly login to or access iSCSI targets.

Default Value:

Manual

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