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Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide
The Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DoD) information systems. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via e-mail to the following address: [email protected]
Vuln
Rule
Version
CCI
Severity
Title
Description
SV-45220r1_rule
DTBI320
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer must be configured to use machine settings.
Users who change their Internet Explorer security settings could enable the execution of dangerous types of code from the Internet and websites listed in the Restricted Sites zone in the browser. This setting enforces consistent security zone settings to all users of the computer. Security zones control browser behavior at various websites and it is desirable to maintain a consistent policy for all users of a machine. This policy setting affects how security zone changes apply to different users. If you enable this policy setting, changes that one user makes to a security zone will apply to all users of that computer. If this policy setting is disabled or not configured, users of the same computer are allowed to establish their own security zone settings.HKSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45218r1_rule
DTBI319
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer must be configured to disallow users to change policies.
Users who change their Internet Explorer security settings could enable the execution of dangerous types of code from the Internet and websites listed in the Restricted Sites zone in the browser. This setting prevents users from changing the Internet Explorer policies on the machine. Policy changes should be made by administrators only, so this setting should be enabled. If you enable this policy setting, you disable the Custom level button and Security level for this zone slider on the Security tab in the Internet Options dialog box. If this policy setting is disabled or not configured, users will be able to change the settings for security zones. It prevents users from changing security zone policy settings that are established by the administrator.HKSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45221r1_rule
DTBI318
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer must be set to disallow users to add/delete sites.
This setting prevents users from adding sites to various security zones. Users should not be able to add sites to different zones, as this could allow them to bypass security controls of the system. If you do not configure this policy setting, users will be able to add or remove sites from the Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites zones at will and change settings in the Local Intranet zone. This configuration could allow sites that host malicious mobile code to be added to these zones, and users could execute the code.HKSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45219r1_rule
DTBI367
LOW
Internet Explorer must be configured to make proxy settings per user.
This setting controls whether or not the Internet Explorer proxy settings are configured on a per-user or per-machine basis. If you enable this policy, users cannot set user specific proxy settings. They must use the zones created for all users of the computer. If you disable this policy or do not configure it, users of the same computer can establish their own proxy settings. This policy is intended to ensure that proxy settings apply uniformly to the same computer and do not vary from user to user.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45417r1_rule
DTBI015
MEDIUM
The Internet Explorer warning about certificate address mismatch must be enforced.
This parameter warns users if the certificate being presented by the website is invalid. Since server certificates are used to validate the identity of the web server it is critical to warn the user of a potential issue with the certificate being presented by the web server. This setting aids to prevent spoofing attacks.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-75313r1_rule
DTBI022
MEDIUM
The Download signed ActiveX controls property must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Active X controls can contain potentially malicious code and must only be allowed to be downloaded from trusted sites. Signed code is better than unsigned code in that it may be easier to determine its author, but it is still potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone. This policy setting allows you to manage whether users may download signed ActiveX controls from a page in the zone. If you enable this policy, users can download signed controls without user intervention. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, users are queried whether to download controls signed by untrusted publishers. Code signed by trusted publishers is silently downloaded. If you disable the policy setting, signed controls cannot be downloaded.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45408r1_rule
DTBI023
MEDIUM
The Download unsigned ActiveX controls property must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Unsigned code is potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone. This policy setting allows you to manage whether users may download unsigned ActiveX controls from the zone. If you enable this policy setting, users can run unsigned controls without user intervention. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, users are queried to choose whether to allow the unsigned control to run. If you disable this policy setting, users cannot run unsigned controls. If you do not configure this policy setting, users cannot run unsigned controls.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45410r1_rule
DTBI024
MEDIUM
The Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe property must be disallowed (Internet zone).
ActiveX controls that are not marked safe for scripting should not be executed. Although this is not a complete security measure for a control to be marked safe for scripting, if a control is not marked safe, it should not be initialized and executed. This setting causes both unsafe and safe controls to be initialized and scripted, ignoring the Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting option. This increases the risk of malicious code being loaded and executed by the browser. If you enable this policy setting, ActiveX controls are run, loaded with parameters and scripted without setting object safety for untrusted data or scripts. If you disable this policy setting, ActiveX controls that cannot be made safe are not loaded with parameters or scripted. This setting is not recommended, except for secure and administered zones.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45158r1_rule
DTBI030
MEDIUM
Font downloads must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Downloads of fonts can sometimes contain malicious code. It is possible that a font could include malformed data that would cause Internet Explorer to crash when it attempts to load and render the font. This policy setting allows you to manage whether pages of the zone may download HTML fonts. If you enable this policy setting, HTML fonts can be downloaded automatically. If you enable this policy setting and Prompt is selected in the drop-down box, users are queried whether to allow HTML fonts to download. If you disable this policy setting, HTML fonts are prevented from downloading.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45420r2_rule
DTBI031
MEDIUM
The Java permissions must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code; sites located in this security zone are more likely to be hosted by malicious individuals. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45065r1_rule
DTBI032
MEDIUM
Accessing data sources across domains must be disallowed (Internet zone).
The ability to access data zones across domains could cause the user to unknowingly access content hosted on an unauthorized server. Access to data sources across multiple domains must be controlled based upon the site being browsed. This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer can access data from another security zone using the Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) or ActiveX Data Objects (ADO).System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45212r1_rule
DTBI036
MEDIUM
Functionality to drag and drop or copy and paste files must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Content hosted on sites located in the Internet zone are likely to contain malicious payloads and therefore this feature should be blocked for this zone. Drag and drop or copy and paste files must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45265r1_rule
DTBI038
MEDIUM
Launching programs and files in IFRAME must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether applications may be run and files may be downloaded from an IFRAME reference in the HTML of the pages in this zone. Launching of programs in IFRAME must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed. If you enable this policy setting, applications can run and files can be downloaded from IFRAMEs on the pages in this zone without user intervention. If you disable this setting, users are prevented from running applications and downloading files from IFRAMEs on the pages in this zone.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45280r1_rule
DTBI039
MEDIUM
Navigating windows and frames across different domains must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Frames that navigate across different domains are a security concern, because the user may think they are accessing pages on one site while they are actually accessing pages on another site. It is possible that a website hosting malicious content could use this feature in a manner similar to cross site scripting. This policy setting allows you to manage the opening of sub-frames and access of applications across different domains.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45459r1_rule
DTBI042
MEDIUM
Userdata persistence must be disallowed (Internet zone).
Userdata persistence must have level of protection based upon the site being accessed. It is possible for sites hosting malicious content to exploit this feature as part of an attack against visitors browsing the site. This policy setting allows you to manage the preservation of information in the browser's history, in favorites, in an XML store, or directly within a web page saved to disk. When a user returns to a persisted page, the state of the page can be restored if this policy setting is not appropriately configured. System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45122r1_rule
DTBI044
MEDIUM
Clipboard operations via script must be disallowed (Internet zone).
A malicious script could use the clipboard in an undesirable manner, for example, if the user had recently copied confidential information to the clipboard while editing a document, a malicious script could harvest that information. It might be possible to exploit other vulnerabilities in order to send the harvested data to the attacker. Allow paste operations via script must have level of protection based upon the site being accessed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45273r1_rule
DTBI046
MEDIUM
Logon options must be configured to prompt (Internet zone).
Users could submit credentials to servers operated by malicious individuals who could then attempt to connect to legitimate servers with those captured credentials. Care must be taken with user credentials, automatic logon performance, and how default Windows credentials are passed to websites. This policy setting allows management of settings for logon options. If you enable this policy setting, you can choose from varying logon options. “Anonymous logon” disables HTTP authentication and uses the guest account only for the Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol. “Prompt for user name and password” queries users for user IDs and passwords. After a user is queried, these values can be used silently for the remainder of the session. “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone” queries users for user IDs and passwords in other zones. After a user is queried, these values can be used silently for the remainder of the session. “Automatic logon with current user name and password” attempts logon using Windows NT Challenge Response. If Windows NT Challenge Response is supported by the server, the logon uses the user's network user name and password for login. If Windows NT Challenge Response is not supported by the server, the user is queried to provide the user name and password. If you disable this policy setting, logon is set to “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone”. If you do not configure this policy setting, logon is set to “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone”. The most secure option is to configure this setting to “Enabled”; “Anonymous logon”, but configuring this setting to “Enabled”; “Prompt for user name and password”, provides a reasonable balance between security and usability.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45250r2_rule
DTBI061
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be configured with High Safety (Intranet zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety. System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45251r2_rule
DTBI091
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be configured with High Safety (Trusted Sites zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety. System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45326r1_rule
DTBI112
MEDIUM
The Download signed ActiveX controls property must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
ActiveX controls can contain potentially malicious code and must only be allowed to be downloaded from trusted sites. Signed code is better than unsigned code in that it may be easier to determine its author, but it is still potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45330r1_rule
DTBI113
MEDIUM
The Download unsigned ActiveX controls property must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Unsigned code is potentially harmful, especially when coming from an untrusted zone. ActiveX controls can contain potentially malicious code and must only be allowed to be downloaded from trusted sites. They must also be digitally signed.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45403r1_rule
DTBI114
MEDIUM
The Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe property must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
ActiveX controls not marked safe for scripting should not be executed. Although this is not a complete security measure for a control to be marked safe for scripting, if a control is not marked safe, it should not be initialized and executed.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45072r1_rule
DTBI115
MEDIUM
ActiveX controls and plug-ins must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether ActiveX controls and plug-ins can be run on pages from the specified zone. ActiveX controls not marked as safe should not be executed. If you enable this policy setting, controls and plug-ins can run without user intervention. If you disable this policy setting, controls and plug-ins are prevented from running.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45074r1_rule
DTBI116
MEDIUM
ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows management of whether ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting can interact with a script. If you enable this policy setting, script interaction can occur automatically without user intervention. ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting should not be executed. Although this is not a complete security measure for a control to be marked safe for scripting, if a control is not marked safe, it should not be initialized and executed.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45150r1_rule
DTBI119
MEDIUM
File downloads must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Sites located in the Restricted Sites Zone are more likely to contain malicious payloads and therefore downloads from this zone should be blocked. Files should not be able to be downloaded from sites that are considered restricted. This policy setting allows you to manage whether file downloads are permitted from the zone. This option is determined by the zone of the page with the link causing the download, not the zone from which the file is delivered.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45159r1_rule
DTBI120
MEDIUM
Font downloads must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
It is possible that a font could include malformed data that would cause Internet Explorer to crash when it attempts to load and render the font. Downloads of fonts can sometimes contain malicious code. Files should not be downloaded from restricted sites. This policy setting allows you to manage whether pages of the zone may download HTML fonts.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45069r1_rule
DTBI122
MEDIUM
Accessing data sources across domains must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
The ability to access data zones across domains could cause the user to unknowingly access content hosted on an unauthorized server. This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer can access data from another security zone using the Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) or ActiveX Data Objects (ADO).System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45324r1_rule
DTBI123
MEDIUM
The Allow META REFRESH property must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
It is possible that users will unknowingly be redirected to a site hosting malicious content. "Allow META REFRESH" must have a level of protection based upon the site being browsed. This policy setting allows you to manage whether a user's browser can be redirected to another web page if the author of the web page uses the Meta Refresh setting to redirect browsers to another web page.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45213r1_rule
DTBI126
MEDIUM
Functionality to drag and drop or copy and paste files must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Content hosted on sites located in the Restricted Sites zone are more likely to contain malicious payloads and therefore this feature should be blocked for this zone. Drag and drop or copy and paste files must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45216r1_rule
DTBI127
MEDIUM
Installation of desktop items must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Active Desktop items could contain links to unauthorized websites or other undesirable content. It is prudent to prevent users from installing desktop items from this security zone. Installation of items must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed. This policy setting allows you to manage whether users can install Active Desktop items from this zone.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45267r1_rule
DTBI128
MEDIUM
Launching programs and files in IFRAME must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether applications may be run and files may be downloaded from an IFRAME reference in the HTML of the pages in this zone. Launching of programs in IFRAME must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed. If you enable this policy setting, applications can run and files can be downloaded from IFRAMEs on the pages in this zone without user intervention. If you disable this setting, users are prevented from running applications and downloading files from IFRAMEs on the pages in this zone.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45281r1_rule
DTBI129
MEDIUM
Navigating windows and frames across different domains must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Frames navigating across different domains are a security concern, because the user may think they are accessing pages on one site while they are actually accessing pages on another site. It is possible that a website hosting malicious content could use this feature in a manner similar to cross site scripting. This policy setting allows you to manage the opening of sub-frames and access of applications across different domains.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45482r1_rule
DTBI132
MEDIUM
Rule Title: Userdata persistence must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Userdata persistence must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed. This policy setting allows you to manage the preservation of information in the browser's history, in favorites, in an XML store, or directly within a web page saved to disk. When a user returns to a persisted page, the state of the page can be restored if this policy setting is not appropriately configured.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45071r1_rule
DTBI133
MEDIUM
Active scripting must be disallowed (Restricted Sites Zone).
Active scripts hosted on sites located in this zone are more likely to contain malicious code. Active scripting must have a level of protection based upon the site being accessed. This policy setting allows you to manage whether script code on pages in the zone are run.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45126r1_rule
DTBI134
MEDIUM
Clipboard operations via script must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
A malicious script could use the clipboard in an undesirable manner, for example, if the user had recently copied confidential information to the clipboard while editing a document, a malicious script could harvest that information. It might be possible to exploit other vulnerabilities in order to send the harvested data to the attacker. Allow paste operations via script must have level of protection based upon the site being accessed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45271r1_rule
DTBI136
MEDIUM
Logon options must be configured and enforced (Restricted Sites zone).
Users could submit credentials to servers operated by malicious individuals who could then attempt to connect to legitimate servers with those captured credentials. Care must be taken with user credentials, automatic logon performance, and how default Windows credentials are passed to websites. This policy setting allows management of settings for logon options. If you enable this policy setting, you can choose from varying logon options. “Anonymous logon” disables HTTP authentication and uses the guest account only for the Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol. “Prompt for user name and password” queries users for user IDs and passwords. After a user is queried, these values can be used silently for the remainder of the session. “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone” queries users for user IDs and passwords in other zones. After a user is queried, these values can be used silently for the remainder of the session. “Automatic logon with current user name and password” attempts logon using Windows NT Challenge Response. If Windows NT Challenge Response is supported by the server, the logon uses the user's network user name and password for login. If Windows NT Challenge Response is not supported by the server, the user is queried to provide the user name and password. If you disable this policy setting, logon is set to “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone”. If you do not configure this policy setting, logon is set to “Automatic logon only in Intranet zone”. The most secure option is to configure this setting to “Enabled”; “Anonymous logon”. This will prevent users from submitting credentials to servers in this security zone.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45263r2_rule
DTBI121
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code; sites located in this security zone are more likely to be hosted by malicious individuals. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorDCMC-1
SV-45057r2_rule
DTBI697
LOW
Ability for users to enable or disable add-ons must be enforced.
Users often choose to install add-ons that are not permitted by an organization's security policy. Such add-ons can pose a significant security and privacy risk to your network. This policy setting allows you to manage whether users have the ability to allow or deny add-ons through Add-On Manager. If you enable this policy setting, users cannot enable or disable add-ons through Add-On Manager. The only exception occurs if an add-on has been specifically entered into the 'Add-On List' policy setting in such a way as to allow users to continue to manage the add-on. In this case, the user can still manage the add-on. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the appropriate controls in the Add-On Manager will be available to the user.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45107r1_rule
DTBI305
MEDIUM
Automatic configuration of Internet Explorer connections must be disallowed.
This setting specifies to automatically detect the proxy server settings used to connect to the Internet and customize Internet Explorer. This setting specifies that Internet Explorer use the configuration settings provided in a file by the system administrator. If you enable this policy setting, the user will not be able to do automatic configuration. You can import current connection settings using Internet Explorer Maintenance under Admin Templates using group policy editor. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the user will have the freedom to automatically configure these settings.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45282r1_rule
DTBI315
MEDIUM
Participation in the Customer Experience Improvement Program must be disallowed.
This setting controls whether users can participate in the Microsoft Customer Experience Improvement Program to help improve Microsoft applications. When users choose to participate in the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), applications automatically send information to Microsoft about how the applications are used. This information is combined with other CEIP data to help Microsoft solve problems and to improve the products and features customers use most often. This feature does not collect users' names, addresses, or any other identifying information except the IP address that is used to send the data. By default, users have the opportunity to opt into participation in the CEIP the first time they run an application. If an organization has policies that govern the use of external resources such as the CEIP, allowing users to opt in to the program might cause them to violate these policies.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45302r1_rule
DTBI325
MEDIUM
Security checking features must be enforced.
This policy setting turns off the Security Settings Check feature, which checks Internet Explorer security settings to determine when the settings put Internet Explorer at risk. If you enable this policy setting, the security settings check will not be performed. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the security settings check will be performed.
System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45070r1_rule
DTBI340
MEDIUM
Active content from CDs must be disallowed to run on user machines.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether users receive a dialog requesting permission for active content on a CD to run. If you enable this policy setting, active content on a CD will run without a prompt. If you disable this policy setting, active content on a CD will always prompt before running. If you do not configure this policy, users can choose whether to be prompted before running active content on a CD.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45311r2_rule
DTBI350
MEDIUM
Software must be disallowed to run or install with invalid signatures.
Microsoft ActiveX controls and file downloads often have digital signatures attached that certify the file's integrity and the identity of the signer (creator) of the software. Such signatures help ensure unmodified software is downloaded and the user can positively identify the signer to determine whether you trust them enough to run their software. The validity of unsigned code cannot be ascertained.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45445r2_rule
DTBI355
MEDIUM
Third-party browser extensions must be disallowed.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer will launch COM add-ons, known as browser helper objects such as toolbars. Browser helper objects may contain flaws such as buffer overruns which impact Internet Explorer's performance or stability. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer automatically launches any browser helper objects that are installed on the user's computer. If you disable this policy setting, browser helper objects do not launch. If you do not configure this policy, Internet Explorer automatically launches any browser helper objects that are installed on the user's computer.
System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45335r1_rule
DTBI365
MEDIUM
Checking for server certificate revocation must be enforced.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer will check revocation status of servers' certificates. Certificates are revoked when they have been compromised or are no longer valid, and this option protects users from submitting confidential data to a site that may be fraudulent or not secure. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will check to see if server certificates have been revoked. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not check server certificates to see if they have been revoked. If you do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not check server certificates to see if they have been revoked.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerIATS-2, IATS-1
SV-45120r1_rule
DTBI370
MEDIUM
Checking for signatures on downloaded programs must be enforced.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer checks for digital signatures (which identifies the publisher of signed software and verifies it has not been modified or tampered with) on user computers before downloading executable programs. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will check the digital signatures of executable programs and display their identities before downloading them to user computers. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not check the digital signatures of executable programs or display their identities before downloading them to user computers. If you do not configure this policy, Internet Explorer will not check the digital signatures of executable programs or display their identities before downloading them to user computers.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45079r1_rule
DTBI375
MEDIUM
All network paths (UNCs) for Intranet sites must be disallowed.
Some UNC paths could refer to servers not managed by the organization, which means they could host malicious content; and therefore, it is safest to not include all UNC paths in the Intranet Sites zone. This policy setting controls whether URLs representing UNCs are mapped into the local Intranet security zone. If you enable this policy setting, all network paths are mapped into the Intranet Zone. If you disable this policy setting, network paths are not necessarily mapped into the Intranet Zone (other rules might map one there). If you do not configure this policy setting, users choose whether network paths are mapped into the Intranet Zone.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45296r1_rule
DTBI385
MEDIUM
Script-initiated windows without size or position constraints must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage restrictions on script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars. If you enable this policy setting, Windows Restrictions security will not apply in this zone. The security zone runs without the added layer of security provided by this feature. If you disable this policy setting, the possible harmful actions contained in script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars cannot be run. This Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as dictated by the Scripted Windows Security Restrictions feature control setting for the process. If you do not configure this policy setting, the possible harmful actions contained in script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars cannot be run. This Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as dictated by the Scripted Windows Security Restrictions feature control setting for the process.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45297r1_rule
DTBI390
MEDIUM
Script-initiated windows without size or position constraints must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage restrictions on script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars. If you enable this policy setting, Windows Restrictions security will not apply in this zone. The security zone runs without the added layer of security provided by this feature. If you disable this policy setting, the possible harmful actions contained in script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars cannot be run. This Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as dictated by the Scripted Windows Security Restrictions feature control setting for the process. If you do not configure this policy setting, the possible harmful actions contained in script-initiated pop-up windows and windows including the title and status bars cannot be run. This Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as dictated by the Scripted Windows Security Restrictions feature control setting for the process.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45299r1_rule
DTBI395
MEDIUM
Scriptlets must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether scriptlets can be allowed. Scriptlets hosted on sites located in this zone are more likely to contain malicious code. If you enable this policy setting, users will be able to run scriptlets. If you disable this policy setting, users will not be able to run scriptlets. If you do not configure this policy setting, a scriptlet can be enabled or disabled by the user.
System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45108r1_rule
DTBI415
MEDIUM
Automatic prompting for file downloads must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting determines whether users will be prompted for non user-initiated file downloads. Regardless of this setting, users will receive file download dialogs for user-initiated downloads. Users may accept downloads that they did not request, and those downloaded files may include malicious code. If you enable this setting, users will receive a file download dialog for automatic download attempts. If you disable or do not configure this setting, file downloads that are not user-initiated will be blocked, and users will see the information bar instead of the file download dialog. Users can then click the information bar to allow the file download prompt.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45252r2_rule
DTBI425
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Local Machine zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45255r2_rule
DTBI430
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Locked Down Local Machine zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45254r2_rule
DTBI435
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Locked Down Intranet zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45261r2_rule
DTBI440
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Locked Down Trusted Sites zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45253r2_rule
DTBI445
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Locked Down Internet zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code; sites located in this security zone are more likely to be hosted by malicious individuals. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety. System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45257r2_rule
DTBI450
MEDIUM
Java permissions must be disallowed (Locked Down Restricted Sites zone).
Java applications could contain malicious code; sites located in this security zone are more likely to be hosted by malicious individuals. This policy setting allows you to manage permissions for Java applets. If you enable this policy setting, options can be chosen from the drop-down box. Use of Custom will control permissions settings individually. Use of Low Safety enables applets to perform all operations. Use of Medium Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox (an area in memory outside of which the program cannot make calls), plus capabilities like scratch space (a safe and secure storage area on the client computer) and user-controlled file I/O. Use of High Safety enables applets to run in their sandbox. If you disable this policy setting, Java applets cannot run. If you do not configure this policy setting, the permission is set to High Safety.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerDCMC-1
SV-45493r1_rule
DTBI455
MEDIUM
XAML files must be disallowed (Internet zone).
These are eXtensible Application Markup Language (XAML) files. XAML is an XML-based declarative markup language commonly used for creating rich user interfaces and graphics that leverage the Windows Presentation Foundation. If you enable this policy setting and the drop-down box is set to Enable, XAML files will be automatically loaded inside Internet Explorer. Users will not be able to change this behavior. If the drop-down box is set to Prompt, users will receive a prompt for loading XAML files. If you disable this policy setting, XAML files will not be loaded inside Internet Explorer. Users will not be able to change this behavior. If you do not configure this policy setting, users will have the freedom to decide whether to load XAML files inside Internet Explorer.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45497r1_rule
DTBI460
MEDIUM
XAML files must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
These are eXtensible Application Markup Language (XAML) files. XAML is an XML-based declarative markup language commonly used for creating rich user interfaces and graphics that leverage the Windows Presentation Foundation. If you enable this policy setting and the drop-down box is set to Enable, XAML files will be automatically loaded inside Internet Explorer. Users will not be able to change this behavior. If the drop-down box is set to Prompt, users will receive a prompt for loading XAML files. If you disable this policy setting, XAML files will not be loaded inside Internet Explorer. Users will not be able to change this behavior. If you do not configure this policy setting, users will have the freedom to decide whether to load XAML files inside Internet Explorer.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45276r1_rule
DTBI465
MEDIUM
MIME sniffing must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage MIME sniffing for file promotion from one type to another based on a MIME sniff. A MIME sniff is the recognition by Internet Explorer of the file type based on a bit signature. If you enable this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone. The security zone will run without the added layer of security provided by this feature. If you disable this policy setting, the actions that may be harmful cannot run; this Internet Explorer security feature will be turned on in this zone, as dictated by the feature control setting for the process. If you do not configure this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45278r1_rule
DTBI470
MEDIUM
MIME sniffing must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage MIME sniffing for file promotion from one type to another based on a MIME sniff. A MIME sniff is the recognition by Internet Explorer of the file type based on a bit signature. If you enable this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone. The security zone will run without the added layer of security provided by this feature. If you disable this policy setting, the actions that may be harmful cannot run; this Internet Explorer security feature will be turned on in this zone, as dictated by the feature control setting for the process. If you do not configure this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone.
System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45155r1_rule
DTBI475
MEDIUM
First-Run prompt ability must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting controls the First Run response that users see on a zone-by-zone basis. When a user encounters a new control that has not previously run in Internet Explorer, they may be prompted to approve the control. This feature determines if the user gets the prompt or not. If you enable this policy setting, the Gold Bar prompt will be turned off in the corresponding zone. If you disable this policy setting, the Gold Bar prompt will be turned on in the corresponding zone. If you do not configure this policy setting, the first-run prompt is turned off by default.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45157r1_rule
DTBI480
MEDIUM
First-Run prompt ability must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting controls the First Run response that users see on a zone-by-zone basis. When a user encounters a new control that has not previously run in Internet Explorer, they may be prompted to approve the control. This feature determines if the user gets the prompt or not. If you enable this policy setting, the Gold Bar prompt will be turned off in the corresponding zone. If you disable this policy setting, the Gold Bar prompt will be turned on in the corresponding zone. If you do not configure this policy setting, the first-run prompt is turned off by default.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45288r2_rule
DTBI485
MEDIUM
Protected Mode must be enforced (Internet zone).
Protected mode protects Internet Explorer from exploited vulnerabilities by reducing the locations Internet Explorer can write to in the registry and the file system. If you enable this policy setting, Protected Mode will be turned on. Users will not be able to turn off protected mode. If you disable this policy setting, Protected Mode will be turned off. It will revert to Internet Explorer 6 behavior that allows for Internet Explorer to write to the registry and the file system. Users will not be able to turn on protected mode. If you do not configure this policy, users will be able to turn on or off protected mode.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45290r1_rule
DTBI490
MEDIUM
Protected Mode must be enforced (Restricted Sites zone).
Protected mode protects Internet Explorer from exploited vulnerabilities by reducing the locations Internet Explorer can write to in the registry and the file system. If you enable this policy setting, Protected Mode will be turned on. Users will not be able to turn off protected mode. If you disable this policy setting, Protected Mode will be turned off. It will revert to Internet Explorer 6 behavior that allows for Internet Explorer to write to the registry and the file system. Users will not be able to turn on protected mode. If you do not configure this policy, users will be able to turn on or off protected mode.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45283r1_rule
DTBI495
MEDIUM
Pop-up Blocker must be enforced (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether unwanted pop-up windows appear. Pop-up windows that are opened when the end user clicks a link are not blocked. If you enable this policy setting, most unwanted pop-up windows are prevented from appearing. If you disable this policy setting, pop-up windows are not prevented from appearing. If you do not configure this policy setting, most unwanted pop-up windows are prevented from appearing.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45284r1_rule
DTBI500
MEDIUM
Pop-up Blocker must be enforced (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether unwanted pop-up windows appear. Pop-up windows that are opened when the end user clicks a link are not blocked. If you enable this policy setting, most unwanted pop-up windows are prevented from appearing. If you disable this policy setting, pop-up windows are not prevented from appearing. If you do not configure this policy setting, most unwanted pop-up windows are prevented from appearing.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45486r1_rule
DTBI515
MEDIUM
Websites in less privileged web content zones must be prevented from navigating into the Internet zone.
This policy setting allows a user to manage whether websites from less privileged zones, such as Restricted Sites, can navigate into the Internet zone. If this policy setting is enabled, web sites from less privileged zones can open new windows in, or navigate into, this zone. The security zone will run without the added layer of security that is provided by the Protection from Zone Elevation security feature. If Prompt is selected in the drop-down box, a warning is issued to the user that potentially risky navigation is about to occur. If this policy setting is disabled, the potentially risky navigation is prevented. The Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as set by the Protection from Zone Elevation feature control. If this policy setting is not configured, websites from less privileged zones can open new windows in, or navigate into, this zone.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45489r1_rule
DTBI520
MEDIUM
Websites in less privileged web content zones must be prevented from navigating into the Restricted Sites zone.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether websites from less privileged zones, such as Restricted Sites, can navigate into the Restricted zone. If this policy setting is enabled, websites from less privileged zones can open new windows in, or navigate into, this zone. The security zone will run without the added layer of security that is provided by the Protection from Zone Elevation security feature. If Prompt is selected in the drop-down box, a warning is issued to the user that potentially risky navigation is about to occur. If this policy setting is disabled, the potentially risky navigation is prevented. The Internet Explorer security feature will be on in this zone as set by the Protection from Zone Elevation feature control. If this policy setting is not configured, websites from less privileged zones can open new windows in, or navigate into, this zone.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45098r1_rule
DTBI575
MEDIUM
Allow binary and script behaviors must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage dynamic binary and script behaviors of components that encapsulate specific functionality for HTML elements, to which they were attached. If you enable this policy setting, binary and script behaviors are available. If you select Administrator approved in the drop-down box, only behaviors listed in the Admin-approved Behaviors under Binary Behaviors Security Restriction policy are available. If you disable this policy setting, binary and script behaviors are not available unless applications have implemented a custom security manager. If you do not configure this policy setting, binary and script behaviors are available.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45111r1_rule
DTBI580
MEDIUM
Automatic prompting for file downloads must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting determines whether users will be prompted for non user-initiated file downloads. Regardless of this setting, users will receive file download dialogs for user-initiated downloads. Users may accept downloads that they did not request, and those downloaded files may include malicious code. If you enable this setting, users will receive a file download dialog for automatic download attempts. If you disable or do not configure this setting, file downloads that are not user-initiated will be blocked, and users will see the information bar instead of the file download dialog. Users can then click the information bar to allow the file download prompt.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45224r1_rule
DTBI590
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME handling is not enabled. (Reserved)
Internet Explorer uses Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) data to determine file handling procedures for files received through a web server. The Consistent MIME Handling\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer requires all file-type information provided by web servers to be consistent. For example, if the MIME type of a file is text/plain but the MIME data indicates the file is really an executable file, Internet Explorer changes its extension to reflect this executable status. This capability helps ensure executable code cannot masquerade as other types of data that may be trusted. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer examines all received files and enforces consistent MIME data for them. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer does not require consistent MIME data for all received files and will use the MIME data provided by the file. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistent and properly labeled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting your network.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45227r1_rule
DTBI595
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME sniffing must be enforced (Reserved).
MIME sniffing is the process of examining the content of a MIME file to determine its context - whether it is a data file, an executable file, or some other type of file. This policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer MIME sniffing will prevent promotion of a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. When set to Enabled, MIME sniffing will never promote a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. Disabling MIME sniffing configures Internet Explorer processes to allow a MIME sniff that promotes a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. For example, promoting a text file to an executable file is a dangerous promotion because any code in the supposed text file would be executed. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistently handled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends you configure this policy as Enabled for all environments specified in this guide. Note: This setting works in conjunction with, but does not replace, the Consistent MIME Handling settings.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45228r1_rule
DTBI600
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MK protocol must be enforced (Explorer).
The MK Protocol Security Restriction policy setting reduces attack surface area by blocking the seldom used MK protocol. Some older web applications use the MK protocol to retrieve information from compressed files. Because the MK protocol is not widely used, it should be blocked wherever it is not needed. Setting this policy to Enabled; blocks the MK protocol for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer, which causes resources that use the MK protocol to fail. Disabling this setting allows applications to use the MK protocol API. This guide recommends you configure this setting to Enabled to block the MK protocol unless it is specifically needed in the environment. Note: Because resources that use the MK protocol will fail when deploying this setting, ensure none of the applications use the MK protocol.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45229r1_rule
DTBI605
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MK protocol must be enforced (IExplore).
The MK Protocol Security Restriction policy setting reduces attack surface area by blocking the seldom used MK protocol. Some older web applications use the MK protocol to retrieve information from compressed files. Because the MK protocol is not widely used, it should be blocked wherever it is not needed. Setting this policy to Enabled; blocks the MK protocol for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer, which causes resources that use the MK protocol to fail. Disabling this setting allows applications to use the MK protocol API. This guide recommends you configure this setting to Enabled to block the MK protocol unless specifically needed in the environment. Note: Because resources that use the MK protocol will fail when deploying this setting, ensure none of the applications use the MK protocol.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45244r1_rule
DTBI610
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Zone Elevation must be enforced (Reserved).
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page it opens that are dependent upon the location of the web page (such as Internet Zone, Intranet Zone, or Local Machine Zone). Web pages on a local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine Zone, which makes the Local Machine Security Zone a prime target for malicious attackers. If you enable this policy setting, any zone can be protected from zone elevation by Internet Explorer processes. This approach stops content running in one zone from gaining the elevated privileges of another zone. If you disable this policy setting, no zone receives such protection from Internet Explorer processes. Because of the severity and relative frequency of zone elevation attacks, this guide recommends that you configure this setting as Enabled in all environments.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45236r1_rule
DTBI630
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Restrict File Download must be enforced (Reserved).
In certain circumstances, websites can initiate file download prompts without interaction from users. This technique can allow websites to put unauthorized files on users' hard drives if they click the wrong button and accept the download. If you configure the Restrict File Download\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting to Enabled, file download prompts that are not user-initiated are blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you configure this policy setting as Disabled, prompting will occur for file downloads that are not user-initiated for Internet Explorer processes. Note: This setting is configured as Enabled in all environments specified in this guide to help prevent attackers from placing arbitrary code on users' computers.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45234r1_rule
DTBI635
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Restrict File Download must be enforced (Explorer).
In certain circumstances, websites can initiate file download prompts without interaction from users. This technique can allow websites to put unauthorized files on users' hard drives if they click the wrong button and accept the download. If you configure the Restrict File Download\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting to Enabled, file download prompts that are not user-initiated are blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you configure this policy setting as Disabled, prompting will occur for file downloads that are not user-initiated for Internet Explorer processes. Note: This setting is configured as Enabled in all environments specified in this guide to help prevent attackers from placing arbitrary code on users' computers.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45235r1_rule
DTBI640
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Restrict File Download must be enforced (IExplore).
In certain circumstances, websites can initiate file download prompts without interaction from users. This technique can allow websites to put unauthorized files on users' hard drives if they click the wrong button and accept the download. If you configure the Restrict File Download\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting to Enabled, file download prompts that are not user-initiated are blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you configure this policy setting as Disabled, prompting will occur for file downloads that are not user-initiated for Internet Explorer processes. Note: This setting is configured as Enabled in all environments specified in this guide to help prevent attackers from placing arbitrary code on users' computers.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45241r1_rule
DTBI645
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for restricting pop-up windows must be enforced (Reserved).
Internet Explorer allows scripts to programmatically open, resize, and reposition various types of windows. Often, disreputable websites will resize windows to either hide other windows or force the user to interact with a window containing malicious code. The Scripted Window Security Restrictions security feature restricts pop-up windows and prohibits scripts from displaying windows in which the title and status bars are not visible to the user, or which hide other windows' title and status bars. If you enable the Scripted Window Security Restrictions\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting, pop-up windows and other restrictions apply for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer processes. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, scripts can continue to create pop-up windows, and windows that hide other windows. Recommend configuring this setting to Enabled to help prevent malicious websites from controlling the Internet Explorer windows or fooling users into clicking on the wrong window.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45049r1_rule
DTBI650
MEDIUM
.NET Framework-reliant components not signed with Authenticode must be disallowed to run (Restricted Sites Zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether .NET Framework reliant components that are not signed with Authenticode can be executed from Internet Explorer. These components include managed controls referenced from an object tag and managed executables referenced from a link. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute unsigned managed components. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, Internet Explorer will prompt the user to determine whether to execute unsigned managed components. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute unsigned managed components. If you do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute unsigned managed components.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45054r1_rule
DTBI655
MEDIUM
.NET Framework-reliant components signed with Authenticode must be disallowed to run (Restricted Sites Zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether .NET Framework reliant components that are signed with Authenticode can be executed from Internet Explorer. It may be possible for malicious content hosted on a website to take advantage of these components. These components include managed controls referenced from an object tag and managed executables referenced from a link. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute signed managed components. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, Internet Explorer will prompt the user to determine whether to execute signed managed components. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute signed managed components. If you do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute signed managed components.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45294r2_rule
DTBI670
MEDIUM
Scripting of Java applets must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether applets are exposed to scripts within the zone. If you enable this policy setting, scripts can access applets automatically without user intervention. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, users are queried to choose whether to allow scripts to access applets. If you disable this policy setting, scripts are prevented from accessing applets. If you do not configure this policy setting, scripts can access applets automatically without user intervention.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45439r1_rule
DTBI675
MEDIUM
The URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools must be about:blank.
This policy setting allows checking for updates for Internet Explorer from the specified URL, included by default in Internet Explorer. If you enable this policy setting, users will not be able to change the URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools. The URL must be specified to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users will be able to change the URL to be displayed for checking updates to Internet Explorer and Internet Tools.
System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45435r1_rule
DTBI680
MEDIUM
The update check interval must be configured and set to 30 days.
Although Microsoft thoroughly tests all patches and service packs before they are published, organizations should carefully control all of the software that is installed on their managed computers. This setting specifies the update check interval, automatic installation, and the default interval value, which is 30 days. If you enable this policy setting, the user will not be able to configure the update check interval, and computers will not automatically download and install updates for Internet Explorer. The update check interval must be specified. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the user will have the freedom to configure the update check interval.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45222r1_rule
DTBI592
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME handling must be enforced (Explorer).
Internet Explorer uses Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) data to determine file handling procedures for files received through a web server. The Consistent MIME Handling\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer requires all file-type information provided by web servers to be consistent. For example, if the MIME type of a file is text/plain but the MIME data indicates the file is really an executable file, Internet Explorer changes its extension to reflect this executable status. This capability helps ensure executable code cannot masquerade as other types of data that may be trusted. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer examines all received files and enforces consistent MIME data for them. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer does not require consistent MIME data for all received files and will use the MIME data provided by the file. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to the organization. Ensuring these files are consistent and properly labeled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends configuring this policy as Enabled for all environments specified in this guide.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45223r1_rule
DTBI594
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME handling must be enforced (IExplore).
Internet Explorer uses Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) data to determine file handling procedures for files received through a web server. The Consistent MIME Handling\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer requires all file-type information provided by web servers to be consistent. For example, if the MIME type of a file is text/plain but the MIME data indicates that the file is really an executable file, Internet Explorer changes its extension to reflect this executable status. This capability helps ensure that executable code cannot masquerade as other types of data that may be trusted. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer examines all received files and enforces consistent MIME data for them. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer does not require consistent MIME data for all received files and will use the MIME data provided by the file. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistent and properly labeled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends configuring this policy as Enabled for all environments specified in this guide.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45230r1_rule
DTBI599
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MK protocol must be enforced (Reserved).
The MK Protocol Security Restriction policy setting reduces attack surface area by blocking the seldom used MK protocol. Some older web applications use the MK protocol to retrieve information from compressed files. Because the MK protocol is not widely used, it should be blocked wherever it is not needed. Setting this policy to Enabled; blocks the MK protocol for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer, which causes resources that use the MK protocol to fail. Disabling this setting allows applications to use the MK protocol API. This guide recommends configuring this setting to Enabled to block the MK protocol unless it is specifically needed in the environment. Note: Because resources that use the MK protocol will fail when deploying this setting, ensure none of the applications use the MK protocol.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45242r1_rule
DTBI612
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Zone Elevation must be enforced (Explorer).
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page it opens that are dependent upon the location of the web page (such as Internet Zone, Intranet Zone, or Local Machine Zone). Web pages on a local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine Zone, which makes the Local Machine Security Zone a prime target for malicious attackers. If you enable this policy setting, any zone can be protected from zone elevation by Internet Explorer processes. This approach stops content running in one zone from gaining the elevated privileges of another zone. If you disable this policy setting, no zone receives such protection from Internet Explorer processes. Because of the severity and relative frequency of zone elevation attacks, this guide recommends configuring this setting as Enabled in all environments.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45243r1_rule
DTBI614
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Zone Elevation must be enforced (IExplore).
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page it opens that are dependent upon the location of the web page (such as Internet Zone, Intranet Zone, or Local Machine Zone). Web pages on a local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine Zone, which makes the Local Machine Security Zone a prime target for malicious attackers. If you enable this policy setting, any zone can be protected from zone elevation by Internet Explorer processes. This approach stops content running in one zone from gaining the elevated privileges of another zone. If you disable this policy setting, no zone receives such protection from Internet Explorer processes. Because of the severity and relative frequency of zone elevation attacks, this guide recommends that you configure this setting as Enabled in all environments.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45237r1_rule
DTBI647
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for restricting pop-up windows must be enforced (Explorer).
Internet Explorer allows scripts to programmatically open, resize, and reposition various types of windows. Often, disreputable websites will resize windows to either hide other windows or force a user to interact with a window that contains malicious code. The Scripted Window Security Restrictions security feature restricts pop-up windows and prohibits scripts from displaying windows in which the title and status bars are not visible to the user, or which hide other windows' title and status bars. If you enable the Scripted Window Security Restrictions\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting, pop-up windows and other restrictions apply for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer processes. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, scripts can continue to create pop-up windows and windows that hide other windows. This guide recommends configuring this setting to Enabled to help prevent malicious websites from controlling the Internet Explorer windows or fooling users into clicking on the wrong window.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45240r1_rule
DTBI649
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for restricting pop-up windows must be enforced (IExplore).
Internet Explorer allows scripts to programmatically open, resize, and reposition various types of windows. Often, disreputable websites will resize windows to either hide other windows or force a user to interact with a window that contains malicious code. The Scripted Window Security Restrictions security feature restricts pop-up windows and prohibits scripts from displaying windows in which the title and status bars are not visible to the user, or which hide other windows' title and status bars. If you enable the Scripted Window Security Restrictions\Internet Explorer Processes policy setting, pop-up windows and other restrictions apply for Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer processes. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, scripts can continue to create pop-up windows and windows that hide other windows. This guide recommends configuring this setting to Enabled to help prevent malicious websites from controlling the Internet Explorer windows or fooling users into clicking on the wrong window.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45130r1_rule
DTBI715
MEDIUM
Crash Detection management must be enforced.
The "Turn off Crash Detection" policy setting allows you to manage the crash detection feature of add-on management in Internet Explorer. A crash report could contain sensitive information from the computer's memory. If you enable this policy setting, a crash in Internet Explorer will be similar to one on a computer running Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 and earlier, where Windows Error Reporting will be invoked. If you disable this policy setting, the crash detection feature in add-on management will be functional. System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45225r1_rule
DTBI596
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME sniffing must be enforced (Explorer).
MIME sniffing is the process of examining the content of a MIME file to determine its context - whether it is a data file, an executable file, or some other type of file. This policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer MIME sniffing will prevent promotion of a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. When set to Enabled, MIME sniffing will never promote a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. Disabling MIME sniffing configures Internet Explorer processes to allow a MIME sniff that promotes a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. For example, promoting a text file to an executable file is a dangerous promotion because any code in the supposed text file would be executed. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistently handled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends configuring this policy as Enabled for all environments specified in this guide. Note: This setting works in conjunction with, but does not replace, the Consistent MIME Handling settings.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45226r1_rule
DTBI597
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for MIME sniffing must be enforced (IExplore).
MIME sniffing is the process of examining the content of a MIME file to determine its context - whether it is a data file, an executable file, or some other type of file. This policy setting determines whether Internet Explorer MIME sniffing will prevent promotion of a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. When set to Enabled, MIME sniffing will never promote a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. Disabling MIME sniffing configures Internet Explorer processes to allow a MIME sniff that promotes a file of one type to a more dangerous file type. For example, promoting a text file to an executable file is a dangerous promotion because any code in the supposed text file would be executed. MIME file-type spoofing is a potential threat to an organization. Ensuring these files are consistently handled helps prevent malicious file downloads from infecting the network. This guide recommends configuring this policy as Enabled for all environments specified in this guide. Note: This setting works in conjunction with, but does not replace, the Consistent MIME Handling settings.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45152r1_rule
DTBI010
MEDIUM
First Run Wizard settings must be established for a home page.
This policy setting prevents Internet Explorer from running the First Run Wizard the first time a user starts the browser after installing Internet Explorer or Windows. If this policy setting is enabled, IE is configurable in two ways: 1) Skip the First Run Wizard, and go directly to the user's home page, or 2) Skip the First Run Wizard, and go directly to the "Welcome to Internet Explorer" web page. If this policy setting is disabled or not configured, Internet Explorer may run the First Run Wizard the first time the browser is started after installation and provide users the ability to configure IE outside of environment policy. Starting with Windows 8, the "Welcome to Internet Explorer" web page is not available. The user's home page will display regardless of which option is chosen.System AdministratorInformation Assurance OfficerECSC-1
SV-45128r1_rule
DTBI300
MEDIUM
Configuring History setting must be set to 40 days.
This setting specifies the number of days that Internet Explorer keeps track of the pages viewed in the History List. The delete Browsing History option can be accessed using Tools, Internet Options, General tab, and then click Settings under Browsing History. If you enable this policy setting, a user cannot set the number of days that Internet Explorer keeps track of the pages viewed in the History List. The number of days that Internet Explorer keeps track of the pages viewed in the History List must be specified. Users will not be able to delete browsing history. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, a user can set the number of days that Internet Explorer tracks views of pages in the History List. Users can delete browsing history.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45275r2_rule
DTBI740
MEDIUM
Managing SmartScreen Filter use must be enforced.
This setting is important from a security perspective because Microsoft has extensive data illustrating the positive impact the SmartScreen filter has had on reducing the risk of malware infection via visiting malicious websites. This policy setting allows users to enable the SmartScreen Filter, which will warn if the website being visited is known for fraudulent attempts to gather personal information through "phishing" or is known to host malware. If you enable this setting the user will not be prompted to enable the SmartScreen Filter. It must be specified which mode the SmartScreen Filter uses: On or Off. If the feature is On, all website addresses not contained on the filters allow list, will be sent automatically to Microsoft without prompting the user. If this feature is set to Off, the feature will not run. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the user is prompted to decide whether to turn on SmartScreen Filter during the first-run experience.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45449r1_rule
DTBI750
LOW
Updates to website lists from Microsoft must be disallowed.
This policy controls the website compatibility lists provided by Microsoft. If you enable this policy setting, the compatibility website lists provided by Microsoft will be used during browser navigation. If a user visits a site on the compatibility list provided by Microsoft, the page will automatically display in Compatibility view. If you disable this policy setting, the Microsoft website list will not be used. Additionally, users cannot enable the feature using the Compatibility View Settings dialog box. If you do not configure this setting, the Microsoft website list will not be active. The user can enable the functionality using the Compatibility View Settings dialog box.May adversely impact system.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45115r1_rule
DTBI760
MEDIUM
Browser must retain history on exit.
Delete Browsing History on exit automatically deletes specified items when the last browser window closes. Disabling this function will prevent users from deleting their browsing history, which could be used to identify malicious Web sites and files that could later be used for anti-virus and intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures. Furthermore, preventing users from deleting browsing history could be used to identify abusive web surfing on government systems.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45137r1_rule
DTBI770
MEDIUM
Deleting websites that the user has visited must be disallowed.
This policy prevents users from deleting the history of websites the user has visited. If you enable this policy setting, websites the user has visited will be preserved when the user clicks Delete. If you disable this policy setting, websites that the user has visited will be deleted when the user clicks Delete. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user will be able to select whether to delete or preserve websites the user visited when the user clicks Delete.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45214r1_rule
DTBI780
MEDIUM
InPrivate Browsing must be disallowed.
InPrivate Browsing lets the user control whether or not Internet Explorer saves the browsing history, cookies, and other data. User control of settings is not the preferred control method. The InPrivate Browsing feature in Internet Explorer makes browser privacy easy by not storing history, cookies, temporary Internet files, or other data. If you enable this policy setting, InPrivate Browsing will be disabled. If you disable this policy setting, InPrivate Browsing will be available for use. If you do not configure this setting, InPrivate Browsing can be turned on or off through the registry.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45293r1_rule
DTBI800
MEDIUM
Scripting of Internet Explorer WebBrowser control property must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting controls whether a page may control embedded WebBrowser control via script. Scripted code hosted on sites located in this zone is more likely to contain malicious code. If you enable this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control is allowed. If you disable this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control is not allowed. If you do not configure this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control can be enabled or disabled by the user. By default, script access to the WebBrowser control is only allowed in the Local Machine and Intranet Zones.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45490r1_rule
DTBI810
MEDIUM
When uploading files to a server, the local directory path must be excluded (Internet zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the local path information will be sent when uploading a file via a HTML form. If the local path information is sent, some information may be unintentionally revealed to the server. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user can choose whether path information will be sent when uploading a file via a form. By default, path information will be sent.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45306r1_rule
DTBI820
MEDIUM
Security Warning for unsafe files must be set to prompt (Internet zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the "Open File - Security Warning" message appears when the user tries to open executable files or other potentially unsafe files (from an intranet file shared by using Windows Explorer, for example). If you enable this policy setting and set the drop-down box to Enable, these files open without a security warning. If you set the drop-down box to Prompt, a security warning appears before the files open. If you disable this policy these files do not open. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user can configure how the computer handles these files.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45075r1_rule
DTBI830
MEDIUM
ActiveX controls without prompt property must be used in approved domains only (Internet zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the user is prompted to allow ActiveX controls to run on websites other than the website that installed the ActiveX control. If the user were to disable the setting for the zone, malicious ActiveX controls could be executed without the user's knowledge. Disabling this setting would allow the possibility for malicious ActiveX controls to be executed from non-approved domains within this zone without the user's knowledge. Enabling this setting enforces the default value and prohibits the user from changing the value. Websites should be moved into another zone if permissions need to be changed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45131r1_rule
DTBI840
MEDIUM
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter must be enforced (Internet zone).
The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter is designed to prevent users from becoming victims of unintentional information disclosure. This setting controls if the Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter detects and prevents cross-site script injection into websites in this zone. If you enable this policy setting, the XSS Filter will be enabled for sites in this zone, and the XSS Filter will attempt to block cross-site script injections. If you disable this policy setting, the XSS Filter will be disabled for sites in this zone, and Internet Explorer will permit cross-site script injections.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45291r1_rule
DTBI850
MEDIUM
Scripting of Internet Explorer WebBrowser control must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting controls whether a page may control embedded WebBrowser control via script. Scripted code hosted on sites located in this zone is more likely to contain malicious code. If you enable this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control is allowed. If you disable this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control is not allowed. If you do not configure this policy setting, script access to the WebBrowser control can be enabled or disabled by the user. By default, script access to the WebBrowser control is only allowed in the Local Machine and Intranet Zones.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45491r1_rule
DTBI860
MEDIUM
When uploading files to a server, the local directory path must be excluded (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the local path information will be sent when uploading a file via a HTML form. If the local path information is sent, some information may be unintentionally revealed to the server. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user can choose whether path information will be sent when uploading a file via a form. By default, path information will be sent.
System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45309r1_rule
DTBI870
MEDIUM
Security Warning for unsafe files must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the "Open File - Security Warning" message appears when the user tries to open executable files or other potentially unsafe files (from an intranet file shared by using Windows Explorer, for example). If you enable this policy setting and set the drop-down box to Enable, these files open without a security warning. If you set the drop-down box to Prompt, a security warning appears before the files open. If you disable this policy these files do not open. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user can configure how the computer handles these files.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45076r1_rule
DTBI880
MEDIUM
ActiveX controls without prompt property must be used in approved domains only (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting controls whether or not the user is prompted to allow ActiveX controls to run on websites other than the website that installed the ActiveX control. If the user were to disable the setting for the zone, malicious ActiveX controls could be executed without the user's knowledge. Disabling this setting would allow the possibility for malicious ActiveX controls to be executed from non-approved domains within this zone without the user's knowledge. Enabling this setting enforces the default value and prohibits the user from changing the value. Websites should be moved into another zone if permissions need to be changed.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45133r1_rule
DTBI890
MEDIUM
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter property must be enforced (Restricted Sites zone).
The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter is designed to prevent users from becoming victims of unintentional information disclosure. This setting controls if the Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter detects and prevents cross-site script injection into websites in this zone. If you enable this policy setting, the XSS Filter will be enabled for sites in this zone, and the XSS Filter will attempt to block cross-site script injections. If you disable this policy setting, the XSS Filter will be disabled for sites in this zone, and Internet Explorer will permit cross-site script injections.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45249r1_rule
DTBI900
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes Restrict ActiveX Install must be enforced (Reserved).
Users often choose to install software such as ActiveX controls that are not permitted by their organization's security policy. Such software can pose significant security and privacy risks to networks. This policy setting enables blocking of ActiveX control installation prompts for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will be blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will not be blocked and these prompts will be displayed to users. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user's preference will be used to determine whether to block ActiveX control installations for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45314r1_rule
DTBI910
MEDIUM
Status bar updates via script must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether script is allowed to update the status bar within the zone. A script running in the zone could cause false information to be displayed on the status bar, which could confuse the user and cause them to perform an undesirable action. If you enable this policy setting, script is allowed to update the status bar. If you disable this policy setting, script is not allowed to update the status bar. If you do not configure this policy setting, status bar updates via scripts will be disabled.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45047r1_rule
DTBI920
MEDIUM
.NET Framework-reliant components not signed with Authenticode must be disallowed to run (Internet zone).
Unsigned components are more likely to contain malicious code and it is more difficult to determine the author of the application - therefore they should be avoided if possible. This policy setting allows you to manage whether .NET Framework components that are not signed with Authenticode can be executed from Internet Explorer. These components include managed controls referenced from an object tag and managed executables referenced from a link. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute unsigned managed components. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, Internet Explorer will prompt the user to determine whether to execute unsigned managed components. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute unsigned managed components. If you do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute unsigned managed components.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45053r1_rule
DTBI930
MEDIUM
.NET Framework-reliant components signed with Authenticode must be disallowed to run (Internet zone).
It may be possible for someone to host malicious content on a website that takes advantage of these components. This policy setting allows you to manage whether .NET Framework components that are signed with Authenticode can be executed from Internet Explorer. These components include managed controls referenced from an object tag and managed executables referenced from a link. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will execute signed managed components. If you select Prompt in the drop-down box, Internet Explorer will prompt the user to determine whether to execute signed managed components. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute signed managed components. If you do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not execute signed managed components.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45301r1_rule
DTBI940
MEDIUM
Scriptlets must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether scriptlets can be allowed. Scriptlets hosted on sites located in this zone are more likely to contain malicious code. If you enable this policy setting, users will be able to run scriptlets. If you disable this policy setting, users will not be able to run scriptlets. If you do not configure this policy setting, a scriptlet can be enabled or disabled by the user.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45318r1_rule
DTBI950
MEDIUM
Status bar updates via script must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
A script running in the zone could cause false information to be displayed on the status bar, which could confuse the user and cause an undesirable action. This policy setting allows you to manage whether script is allowed to update the status bar within the zone. If you enable this policy setting, script is allowed to update the status bar. If you disable this policy setting, script is not allowed to update the status bar. If you do not configure this policy setting, status bar updates via scripts will be disabled.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45475r1_rule
DTBI1010
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes Restrict ActiveX Install must be enforced (Explorer).
Users often choose to install software such as ActiveX controls that are not permitted by their organization's security policy. Such software can pose significant security and privacy risks to networks. This policy setting enables blocking of ActiveX control installation prompts for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will be blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will not be blocked and these prompts will be displayed to users. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user's preference will be used to determine whether to block ActiveX control installations for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45473r1_rule
DTBI1020
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes Restrict ActiveX Install must be enforced (IExplore).
Users often choose to install software such as ActiveX controls that are not permitted by their organization's security policy. Such software can pose significant security and privacy risks to networks. This policy setting enables blocking of ActiveX control installation prompts for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will be blocked for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, prompts for ActiveX control installations will not be blocked and these prompts will be displayed to users. If you do not configure this policy setting, the user's preference will be used to determine whether to block ActiveX control installations for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45078r1_rule
DTBI745
MEDIUM
Add-on performance notifications must be disallowed.
This policy setting prevents Internet Explorer from displaying a notification when the average time it takes to load all the user's enabled add-ons exceeds the threshold. The notification informs the user that add-ons are slowing their browsing and displays a button which opens the Disable Add-ons dialog box. The Disable Add-ons dialog box displays the load time for each group of add-ons enabled in the browser. It allows the user to disable add-ons and configure the threshold. If you enable this policy setting, users will not be notified when the average time it takes to load all the user's enabled add-ons exceeds the threshold.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45112r1_rule
DTBI755
MEDIUM
Browser Geolocation functionality must be disallowed.
This setting has a small impact on user privacy because users may unknowingly allow their browser to share location data with web sites that they visit. The value of enabling this setting is diminished due to the fact that malicious web sites can learn a great deal about the location of a user merely by analyzing their IP address. If you enable this policy setting, browser geolocation support will be turned off. If you disable this policy setting, browser geolocation will be turned on. If you do not configure this setting, browser geolocation support can be turned on or off in Internet Options on the Privacy Tab.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45321r2_rule
DTBI765
MEDIUM
Suggested Sites functionality must be disallowed.
This policy setting controls the Suggested Sites feature, which recommends sites based on the user's browsing activity. Suggested Sites reports a user's browsing history to Microsoft to store and monitor user page activity to suggest sites the user might want to visit. If you enable this policy setting, the user will not be prompted to enable the Suggested Sites and the user's browsing activities will be sent and stored online to produce suggestions. If you disable this policy setting, the entry points and functionality associated with this feature will be disabled.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45103r1_rule
DTBI775
MEDIUM
Automatic checking for Internet Explorer updates must be disallowed.
This policy setting allows you to manage whether Internet Explorer checks the Internet for newer versions. When Internet Explorer is set to do this, the checks occur approximately every 30 days, and users are prompted to install new versions as they become available. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer checks the Internet for a new version approximately every 30 days and prompts the user to download new versions when they are available. Newer versions might not comply with the Internet Explorer version requirements of the organization.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45077r1_rule
DTBI805
MEDIUM
ActiveX opt-in prompt must be disallowed.
This policy setting allows you to turn off the ActiveX opt-in prompt. The ActiveX opt-in prevents Websites from loading any COM object without prior approval. If a page attempts to load a COM object that Internet Explorer has not used before, an information bar will appear asking the user for approval. If you enable this policy setting, the ActiveX opt-in prompt will not appear. Internet Explorer does not ask the user for permission to load a control, and will load the ActiveX if it passes all other internal security checks. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting the ActiveX opt-in prompt will appear.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45233r1_rule
DTBI815
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Notification Bars must be enforced (Reserved).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether the Notification bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes when file or code installs are restricted. By default, the Notification Bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, the Notification bar will not be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you do not configure this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45231r1_rule
DTBI825
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Notification Bars must be enforced (Explorer).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether the Notification bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes when file or code installs are restricted. By default, the Notification bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, the Notification bar will not be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you do not configure this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45232r1_rule
DTBI835
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer Processes for Notification Bars must be enforced (IExplore).
This policy setting allows you to manage whether the Notification bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes when file or code installs are restricted. By default, the Notification bar is displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you enable this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you disable this policy setting, the Notification bar will not be displayed for Internet Explorer processes. If you do not configure this policy setting, the Notification bar will be displayed for Internet Explorer processes.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45046r1_rule
DTBI1040
MEDIUM
Do Not Track header must be sent.
This policy setting allows you to configure how Internet Explorer sends the Do Not Track (DNT) header. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer sends the DNT:1 header on all HTTP and HTTPS requests. The DNT:1 header signals that servers should not track the user. If you disable this policy setting, Internet Explorer sends the DNT:1 header only when a Tracking Protection List is enabled, or when InPrivate Browsing mode is used. If you do not configure this policy setting, users can select the Always send Do Not Track header options on the Advanced tab of the Internet Options dialog box. When this option is selected, Internet Explorer sends the DNT:1 header on all HTTP and HTTPS requests.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45063r1_rule
DTBI980
MEDIUM
Ability to install new versions of Internet Explorer automatically must be disallowed.
This policy setting configures Internet Explorer to automatically install new versions of Internet Explorer when they are available. If you enable this policy setting, automatic upgrade of Internet Explorer will be turned on. If you disable this policy setting, automatic upgrade of Internet Explorer will be turned off. If you do not configure this policy, users can turn on or off automatic updates.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45140r1_rule
DTBI1035
MEDIUM
Displaying of the reveal password button must be disallowed.
This policy setting allows you to hide the reveal password button when Internet Explorer prompts users for a password. The reveal password button is displayed during password entry. When the user clicks the button, the current password value is visible until the mouse button is released (or until the tap ends). If you enable this policy setting, the reveal password button will be hidden for all password fields. Users and developers will not be able to depend on the reveal password button being displayed in any web form or web application. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the reveal password button can be shown by the application as a user types in a password. *Note: On at least Windows 8, if the "Do not display the reveal password button" policy setting located in Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Credential User Interface is enabled for the system, it will override this policy setting.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45142r1_rule
DTBI990
MEDIUM
Dragging of content from different domains across windows must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to set options for dragging content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. If you enable this policy setting, users can drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. Users cannot change this setting. If you disable this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when both the source and destination are in different windows. Users cannot change this setting. If you do not configure this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. Users can change this setting in the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45143r1_rule
DTBI1005
MEDIUM
Dragging of content from different domains across windows must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to set options for dragging content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. If you enable this policy setting, users can drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. Users cannot change this setting. If you enable this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when both the source and destination are in different windows. Users cannot change this setting. If you do not configure this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in different windows. Users can change this setting in the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45144r1_rule
DTBI1000
MEDIUM
Dragging of content from different domains within a window must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting allows you to set options for dragging content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. If you enable this policy setting, users can drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users cannot change this setting. If you disable this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users cannot change this setting in the Internet Options dialog. If you do not configure this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users can change this setting in the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45146r1_rule
DTBI1025
MEDIUM
Dragging of content from different domains within a window must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting allows you to set options for dragging content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. If you enable this policy setting, users can drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users cannot change this setting. If you disable this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users cannot change this setting in the Internet Options dialog. If you do not configure this policy setting, users cannot drag content from one domain to a different domain when the source and destination are in the same window. Users can change this setting in the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45147r1_rule
DTBI995
MEDIUM
Enhanced protected mode functionality must be enforced.
Enhanced Protected Mode provides additional protection against malicious websites by using 64-bit processes on 64-bit versions of Windows. For computers running at least Windows 8, Enhanced Protected Mode also limits the locations Internet Explorer can read from in the registry and the file system. If you enable this policy setting, Enhanced Protected Mode will be turned on. Any zone that has Protected Mode enabled will use Enhanced Protected Mode. Users will not be able to disable Enhanced Protected Mode. If you disable this policy setting, Enhanced Protected Mode will be turned off. Any zone that has Protected Mode enabled will use the version of Protected Mode introduced in Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista. If you do not configure this policy, users will be able to turn on or turn off Enhanced Protected Mode on the Advanced tab of the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45217r1_rule
DTBI1055
MEDIUM
Internet Explorer accelerator functionality must be disallowed.
The Internet Explorer Accelerator feature is for use with third-party applications and toolbars. This policy setting allows you to manage whether users can access accelerators. If you enable this policy setting, users cannot access accelerators. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users can access accelerators and install new accelerators. System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45269r1_rule
DTBI1045
MEDIUM
Legacy filter functionality must be disallowed (Internet zone).
This policy setting specifies whether Internet Explorer renders legacy visual filters in this zone. If you enable this policy setting, you can control whether or not Internet Explorer renders legacy filters by selecting Enable, or Disable under Options in Group Policy Editor. If you disable, or do not configure this policy setting, users can choose whether or not to render filters in this zone. Users can change this setting on the Security tab of the Internet Options dialog box. Filters are not rendered by default in this zone.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45270r1_rule
DTBI1050
MEDIUM
Legacy filter functionality must be disallowed (Restricted Sites zone).
This policy setting specifies whether Internet Explorer renders legacy visual filters in this zone. If you enable this policy setting, you can control whether or not Internet Explorer renders legacy filters by selecting Enable, or Disable under Options in Group Policy Editor. If you disable, or do not configure this policy setting, users can choose whether or not to render filters in this zone. Users can change this setting on the Security tab of the Internet Options dialog box. Filters are not rendered by default in this zone.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45454r1_rule
DTBI1030
MEDIUM
URL Suggestions must be disallowed.
This policy setting turns off URL Suggestions. URL Suggestions allow users to auto complete URLs in the address bar based on common URLs. The list of common URLs is stored locally and is updated once a month. No user data is sent over the internet by this feature. If you enable this policy setting, URL Suggestions will be turned off. Users will not be able to turn on URL Suggestions. If you disable this policy setting, URL Suggestions will be turned on. Users will not be able to turn off URL Suggestions. If you do not configure this policy setting, URL Suggestions will be turned on. Users will be able to turn on or turn off URL Suggestions in the Internet Options dialog.System AdministratorECSC-1
SV-45478r1_rule
DTBI985
MEDIUM
When enhanced protected mode is enabled, ActiveX controls must be disallowed to run in protected mode.
This setting prevents ActiveX controls from running in Protected Mode when Enhanced Protected Mode is enabled. When a user has an ActiveX control installed that is not compatible with Enhanced Protected Mode and a website attempts to load the control, Internet Explorer notifies the user and gives the option to run the website in regular Protected Mode. This policy setting disables this notification and forces all websites to run in Enhanced Protected Mode. Enhanced Protected Mode provides additional protection against malicious websites by using 64-bit processes on 64-bit versions of Windows. For computers running at least Windows 8, Enhanced Protected Mode also limits the locations Internet Explorer can read from in the registry and the file system. If you enable this policy setting, Internet Explorer will not give the user the option to disable Enhanced Protected Mode. All Protected Mode websites will run in Enhanced Protected Mode. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, Internet Explorer notifies users and provides an option to run websites with incompatible ActiveX controls in regular Protected Mode.System AdministratorECSC-1
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