JSI Tip 0990. Do you trust your Server Operators?

A Server Operator can perform many of the same tasks that an Administrator can, with the exception of account management.

By virtue of the default permissions on

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

a Server Operator could replace the SYSTEM value with an executable that grants administrative priveledges. To quote Microsoft:

In the environments where members of server operators are not sufficiently
trusted, it is recommended that security on following keys be changed as below:

Registry Key                                    Recommended Permissions

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft
\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon             CREATOR OWNER: Full Control
                                                        Administrators: Full Control
                                                        SYSTEM: Full Control
                                                        Everyone: Read