The Exchange Email application must not share a partition with another application.

In the same way that added security layers can provide a cumulative positive effect on security posture, multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to the host system can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system.

Email services should be installed on a partition that does not host other applications. Email services should never be installed on a Domain Controller/Directory Services server.

Review the Email Domain Security Plan (EDSP).

Determine if the directory Exchange is installed.

Open Windows Explorer.

Navigate to where Exchange is installed.

If Exchange resides on a directory or partition other than that of the operating system and does not have other applications installed (unless approved by the Information System Security Officer [ISSO]), this is not a finding.

Update the EDSP with the location of where Exchange is installed.

Install Exchange on a dedicated application directory or partition separate than that of the operating system.