Microsoft PKI Assessment by SecID

Microsoft CA Servers Benchmark Assessment tool

The Microsoft PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) Assessment Benchmark is a comprehensive set of security best practices and configuration guidelines designed to help administrators secure Private and Internal Certificate Authority (CA) servers. These benchmarks are especially critical in enterprise environments where internal PKI plays a foundational role in authentication, encryption, and digital trust.

The SmartProfiler tool supports the Microsoft PKI Assessment Benchmark by automating the evaluation of configuration settings across multiple CA servers, helping organizations ensure that their PKI environments adhere to industry best practices and compliance standards.

These benchmarks are aligned with guidance from trusted organizations such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and Microsoft, ensuring that CA servers are hardened against potential vulnerabilities and operational risks.

Key Areas Assessed by SmartProfiler for Microsoft CA Servers:

1. CA Server Configuration

• Validates secure installation and configuration of CA roles (Enterprise or Standalone, Root or Subordinate).

• Checks for unnecessary roles, features, or services enabled on the CA server.

• Verifies CA settings such as validity periods, CRL (Certificate Revocation List) distribution points, and AIA (Authority Information Access) locations.

2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• Assesses adherence to least privilege principles for CA administrators, certificate managers, and auditors.

• Checks for unauthorized users in privileged CA groups (e.g., Cert Publishers, Enterprise Admins).

• Validates access permissions on CA-related file paths, registry keys, and templates.

3. Logging and Auditing

• Ensures that CA auditing is enabled and configured to track key events (e.g., certificate issuance, revocation, CA startup/shutdown).

• Verifies integration with centralized logging platforms (e.g., SIEM solutions).

• Confirms event logs are protected from tampering and stored securely.

4. Certificate Templates and Issuance Policies

• Checks for insecure or overly permissive certificate templates.

• Validates that auto-enrollment is configured securely.

• Reviews issuance and enrollment permissions to prevent misuse.

5. Cryptographic Controls

• Verifies that the CA uses strong cryptographic algorithms (e.g., SHA-256 or higher).

• Assesses key length, CSP/KSP usage, and key protection mechanisms.

• Confirms that Root CA private keys are stored securely (e.g., HSM usage or offline protection for Root CAs).

6. Revocation Configuration

• Validates configuration of CRLs and OCSP to ensure reliable certificate revocation checking.

• Confirms CRLs are published at proper intervals and accessible from all relying parties.

• Ensures OCSP responders are secured and functioning correctly (if used).

7. Patching and System Hardening

• Ensures the CA server is fully patched with the latest Windows Updates.

• Validates that the server OS follows hardened configuration baselines.

• Checks that unnecessary ports, services, and protocols are disabled.

8. Backup and Recovery Preparedness

• Verifies regular and secure backup of CA configuration, certificates, and keys.

• Checks for tested and documented disaster recovery procedures for CA hierarchy.

About the Center for Internet Security (CIS)

The Center for Internet Security is a nonprofit organization focused on identifying, developing, and promoting best practices in cybersecurity. Its benchmarks and controls are developed through a global, consensus-driven process involving IT professionals from government, industry, and academia. SmartProfiler aligns with CIS standards and Microsoft security recommendations to provide robust assessments for Microsoft PKI, Microsoft 365, and Azure environments.