CIS Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Release 1909 Benchmark

2.2.26 (L1) Ensure 'Load and unload device drivers' is set to 'Administrators' (Scored)

ProfileApplicability:

 Level 1 (L1) - Corporate/Enterprise Environment (general use)

Description:

This policy setting allows users to dynamically load a new device driver on a system. An attacker could potentially use this capability to install malicious code that appears to be a device driver. This user right is required for users to add local printers or printer drivers in Windows Vista.

The recommended state for this setting is: Administrators .

Note: This user right is considered a "sensitive privilege" for the purposes of auditing.

Rationale:

Device drivers run as highly privileged code. A user who has the Load and unloaddevice drivers user right could unintentionally install malicious code that masquerades as a device driver. Administrators should exercise greater care and install only drivers with verified digital signatures.

Audit:

Navigate to the UI Path articulated in the Remediation section and confirm it is set as prescribed.

Remediation:

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

Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment\Load and unload device drivers

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