Automatically deny elevation requests from standard users via GPO

In enterprise environments, maintaining strict control over user privileges is key to ensuring network security and operational efficiency. One aspect of this is managing elevation requests – particularly, automatically denying such requests from standard users. This article will guide system administrators through the process of creating a Group Policy Object (GPO) to achieve this, thereby enhancing security and maintaining control over the user privileges within the network.

Understanding Elevation Requests and User Privileges

Elevation requests occur when a user or application attempts to perform an action that requires administrative privileges. Standard users typically should not have the ability to perform these actions without explicit administrator approval. Automatically denying these requests helps prevent unauthorized changes to the system and potential security breaches.

Prerequisites

• Administrative Rights: You must have administrative privileges in your Active Directory (AD) environment.
• Group Policy Management Console (GPMC): This tool must be installed and accessible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Group Policy Management Console

Access GPMC by typing “Group Policy Management” in the Start menu search or by running gpmc.msc.

Step 2: Create or Edit a Group Policy Object

• To create a new GPO, right-click on the domain or an Organizational Unit (OU) and choose “Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here…”.
• To modify an existing GPO, locate it under the appropriate domain or OU, right-click it, and select “Edit”.

Step 3: Navigate to Security Settings

In the Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to: Computer Configuration → Policies → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options.

Step 4: Configure User Account Control (UAC) Policy

• Locate the policy “User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users”.
• Set this policy to “Automatically deny elevation requests”.
• This setting will ensure that any attempt by a standard user to perform a task requiring elevated privileges will be automatically denied without prompting for an administrator password.

Step 5: Apply and Enforce the GPO

• Click “OK” or “Apply” to save the changes.
• Link the GPO to the relevant OU(s).
• The policy will apply at the next Group Policy refresh cycle, or you can force immediate application by running gpupdate /force on the client machines.

Advanced Configuration and Use Cases

1. High-Security Environments: In sectors where security is crucial, such as in financial or defense organizations, automatically denying elevation requests can prevent unauthorized access and potential security threats.
2. Regulatory Compliance: This policy can be part of meeting compliance standards that require strict control over user privileges and system changes.
3. Different Policies for Different User Groups: Tailor policies based on the role and security clearance of different user groups. For instance, some groups may have a need for occasional elevation, which could be managed through controlled processes.

Security Considerations

• Balancing Security and Usability: Ensure that the policy does not impede necessary operational tasks. Provide alternative mechanisms for users to request elevation when legitimately needed.
• User Training and Awareness: Educate users about the policy and the reasons behind it to foster an understanding of security protocols.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly review the policy’s impact on operations and security, and adjust as needed based on feedback and changing organizational requirements.

Troubleshooting

• Policy Application Issues: If the policy is not applying as expected, utilize tools like Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) or gpresult for diagnosis.
• Operational Challenges: In case the policy results in operational hurdles, consider setting up a process for users to request temporary elevation through a controlled and monitored mechanism.

Conclusion

Automatically denying elevation requests from standard users via GPO is a proactive approach to maintaining network security in a Windows environment. This policy aids in preventing unauthorized changes and potential security vulnerabilities, aligning with best practices in IT administration and security management.