password-cleartext-encryption: Store Passwords Using Reversible Encryption Check

id: password-cleartext-encryption

info:
  name: Store Passwords Using Reversible Encryption Check
  author: nukunga[SungHyunJeon]
  severity: medium
  description: |
    Ensure the "Store passwords using reversible encryption" policy is set to Disabled. If enabled, it can allow stored passwords to be retrieved in plaintext, posing a serious security risk.
  impact: |
    If this setting is enabled, attackers could potentially recover user passwords, leading to unauthorized access and compromise of network resources.
  remediation: |
    Disable this policy using one of the following methods:
    - Command Line: Export the security configuration, set ClearTextPassword=0, and reapply it using secedit.
    - GUI: Open Local Security Policy → Account Policies → Password Policy → "Store passwords using reversible encryption" and set it to Disabled.
  reference:
    - https://isms.kisa.or.kr/main/csap/notice/?boardId=bbs_0000000000000004&mode=view&cntId=85
  tags: code,windows-audit,kisa,account-management,password-policy

self-contained: true

code:
  - pre-condition: |
      IsWindows();
    engine:
      - powershell
      - powershell.exe
    args:
      - -ExecutionPolicy
      - Bypass
    pattern: "*.ps1"
    source: |
      # Export security settings to a configuration file
      secedit /export /cfg C:\cfg.txt | Out-Null
      $cfg = Get-Content C:\cfg.txt | Out-String
      if ($cfg -match "ClearTextPassword\s*=\s*(\d)") {
          $value = $Matches[1]
          if ($value -eq "1") {
              "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_ENABLED"
          } else {
              "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_DISABLED"
          }
      } else {
          "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_NOT_FOUND"
      }

    matchers:
      - type: word
        words:
          - "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_ENABLED"
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