CIS Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Release 1909 Benchmark

5.27 (L2) Ensure 'Server (LanmanServer)' is set to 'Disabled' (Scored)

ProfileApplicability:

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

Description:

Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled .

Rationale:

In a high security environment, a secure workstation should only be a client , not a server. Sharing workstation resources for remote access increases security risk as the attack surface is notably higher.

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\LanmanServer: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\Server

Impact:

File, print and named-pipe sharing functions will be unavailable from this machine over the network.

Note: Many remote administration tools, such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), require the Server service to be operational for remote management. In addition, many vulnerability scanners use this service to scan the file system remotely.

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