Windows Server 2025 must disable Basic authentication for RSS feeds over HTTP.

Basic authentication uses plain-text passwords that could be used to compromise a system. Disabling Basic authentication will reduce this potential.

The default behavior is for the Windows RSS platform to not use Basic authentication over HTTP connections.

If the registry value name below does not exist, this is not a finding.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "0", this is not a finding.

If it exists and is configured with a value of "1", this is a finding.

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Feeds\

Value Name: AllowBasicAuthInClear

Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 0x00000000 (0) (or if the Value Name does not exist)

The default behavior is for the Windows RSS platform to not use Basic authentication over HTTP connections.

To correct this, configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> RSS Feeds >> Turn on Basic feed authentication over HTTP to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".