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DoD Compliance · STIG

Microsoft Excel 2007

V4R13 · · · Released 27 Oct 2017 · 26 rules
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Digest of Updates vs. V4R12 · 23 Oct 2015 +1 ✎ 24

Comparison against the immediately-prior release (V4R12). Rule matching uses the Group Vuln ID. Content-change detection compares the rule’s description, check, and fix text after stripping inline markup — cosmetic-only edits aren’t flagged.

Added rules 1

  • V-25884 High An unsupported Microsoft Office version must not be installed.

Content changes 24

  • V-17173 Medium descriptioncheck Disable user name and password syntax from being used in URLs
  • V-17174 Medium description Bind to Object - Excel
  • V-17175 Medium description Evaluate Saved from URL mark when launched from Excel
  • V-17183 Medium description Block navigation to URL embedded in Office products to protect against attack by malformed URL.
  • V-17184 Medium description Block pop-ups for links that invoke instances of IE from within Excel
  • V-17187 Medium description Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins - Excel
  • V-17322 Medium description Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2007 through the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system and Excel 2007 Converter - System
  • V-17471 Medium description Disable all Trusted Locations.
  • V-17473 Medium description Determine whether to force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML workbooks.
  • V-17503 Medium description Disable feature that would block older version of office products from saving files to open XML formats.
  • V-17518 Medium description Block opening of "open XML" format files created by pre-release versions of Excel.
  • V-17519 Medium description Block Opening of "Open XML" file types to prevent them automatically executing code.
  • V-17520 Medium description Disable settings for content and add-ins that "Allow trusted locations not on computer" that might bypass more stringent security checks.
  • V-17521 Medium description Save files default format as backward compatible, not as XML.
  • V-17522 Medium description Disable Trust access for VBA into Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • V-17545 Medium description Enable Warning Bar settings for VBA macros contained in Excel Files.
  • V-17621 Medium description Force file extension to match file type created - Excel
  • V-17650 Medium description Create configuration to prevent Internet links and Network UNCs from being created as embedded hyperlinks.
  • V-17652 Medium description Disable the automatic republish to web pages for Excel documents having that link.
  • V-17732 Medium description Ask user to update automatic links instead of automatically updating spreadsheet - Excel.
  • V-17744 Medium description AutoRepublish Warning Alert should be enabled - Excel
  • V-17751 Medium description Do not Load pictures from web pates not created in Excel
  • V-17796 Medium description Do not save additional data needed to maintain formulas - Excel.
  • V-17804 Medium description Store macro in Personal macro Workbook by default - Excel.
Sort by
b
Disable user name and password syntax from being used in URLs
Medium - V-17173 - SV-18567r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO104 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17173
Rule IDs
  • SV-18567r2_rule
The Uniform Resource Locator (URL) standard allows user authentication to be included in URL strings in the form http://username:password@example.com. A malicious user might use this URL syntax to create a hyperlink that appears to open a legitimate website but actually opens a deceptive (spoofed) website. For example, the URL http://www.wingtiptoys.com@example.com appears to open http://www.wingtiptoys.com but actually opens http://example.com. To protect users from such attacks, Internet Explorer usually blocks any URLs using this syntax. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by 2007 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous web pages, which could pose a security risk. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17847r3_chk

Validate the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Disable user name and password” is set to “Enabled” and ‘excel.exe’ is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_HTTP_USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-16954r4_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Disable user name and password” to “Enabled” and select the "excel.exe" check box.

b
Bind to Object - Excel
Medium - V-17174 - SV-18185r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO111 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17174
Rule IDs
  • SV-18185r2_rule
Internet Explorer performs a number of safety checks before initializing an ActiveX control. It will not initialize a control if the kill bit for the control is set in the registry, or if the security settings for the zone in which the control is located do not allow it to be initialized. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by 2007 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). A security risk could occur if potentially dangerous controls are allowed to load. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17863r3_chk

Validate the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Bind to Object” is set to “Enabled” and "excel.exe" check box is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_SAFE_BINDTOOBJECT Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-16961r3_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Bind to Object” to “Enabled” and select the "excel.exe" check box.

b
Evaluate Saved from URL mark when launched from Excel
Medium - V-17175 - SV-18200r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO117 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17175
Rule IDs
  • SV-18200r2_rule
Typically, when Internet Explorer loads a web page from a UNC share that contains a Mark of the Web (MOTW) comment that indicates the page was saved from a site on the Internet, Internet Explorer runs the page in the Internet security zone instead of the less restrictive Local Intranet security zone. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by 2007 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If Internet Explorer does not evaluate the page for a MOTW, potentially dangerous code could be allowed to run.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17882r4_chk

Validate the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Saved from URL” is set to “Enabled” and "excel.exe" check box is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_UNC_SAVEDFILECHECK Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17047r3_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Saved from URL” to “Enabled” and select the "excel.exe" check box.

b
Block navigation to URL embedded in Office products to protect against attack by malformed URL.
Medium - V-17183 - SV-18207r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO123 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17183
Rule IDs
  • SV-18207r2_rule
To protect users from attacks, Internet Explorer usually does not attempt to load malformed URLs. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by 2007 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If Internet Explorer attempts to load a malformed URL, a security risk could occur in some cases.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17890r3_chk

Validate the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Navigate URL” is set to “Enabled” and "excel.exe" check box is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_VALIDATE_NAVIGATE_URL Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17053r3_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Navigate URL” to “Enabled” and select the "excel.exe" check box.

b
Block pop-ups for links that invoke instances of IE from within Excel
Medium - V-17184 - SV-18210r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO129 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17184
Rule IDs
  • SV-18210r2_rule
The Pop-up Blocker feature in Internet Explorer can be used to block most unwanted pop-up and pop-under windows from appearing. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by 2007 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a web page). If the Pop-up Blocker is disabled, disruptive and potentially dangerous pop-up windows could load and present a security risk.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17893r3_chk

Validate the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Block popups” is set to “Enabled” and "excel.exe" check box is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WEBOC_POPUPMANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17055r3_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office 2007 system (Machine) >> Security Settings >> IE Security “Block popups” to “Enabled” and select the "excel.exe" check box.

b
Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins - Excel
Medium - V-17187 - SV-18220r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO131 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17187
Rule IDs
  • SV-18220r1_rule
By default, if an application is configured to require that all add-ins be signed by a trusted publisher, any unsigned add-ins the application loads will be disabled and the application will display the Trust Bar at the top of the active window. The Trust Bar contains a message that informs users about the unsigned add-in.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-17913r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security Criteria: If the value NoTBPromptUnsignedAddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17080r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2007 through the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system and Excel 2007 Converter - System
Medium - V-17322 - SV-18558r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO210 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17322
Rule IDs
  • SV-18558r1_rule
The Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats enables users of Microsoft Word 2000, Word 2002, and Office Word 2003 to open files saved in the Office Open XML format used by Word 2007. Word Open XML files usually have the following extensions: • .docx • .docm • .dotx • .dotm • .xml By default, the Compatibility Pack does not open files that were saved in pre-release versions of the new Office Open XML format, which underwent some minor changes prior to the final release of Word 2007. If this configuration is changed, through a registry modification or by some other mechanism, users with the Compatibility Pack installed can open files saved by some pre-release versions of Word, but not by others, which can lead to inconsistent file opening functionality. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18827r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2007 system -> Office 2007 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2007 through the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system and Excel 2007 Converter” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\FileOpenBlock Criteria: If the value Excel12BetaFilesFromConverters is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17425r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2007 system -> Office 2007 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2007 through the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system and Excel 2007 Converter” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
Disable all Trusted Locations.
Medium - V-17471 - SV-18529r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO133 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17471
Rule IDs
  • SV-18529r1_rule
Trusted locations specified in the Trust Center are used to define file locations that are assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with a minimal amount of security, without prompting the users for permission. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to standard security measures and could harm users' computers or data. By default, files located in trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) are assumed to be safe. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18818r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\Trusted Locations Criteria: If the value AllLocationsDisabled is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17410r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
Determine whether to force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML workbooks.
Medium - V-17473 - SV-18534r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO142 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17473
Rule IDs
  • SV-18534r1_rule
When an Office Open XML document (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is rights-managed or password-protected, any macros that are embedded in the document are encrypted along with the rest of the contents. By default, these encrypted macros will be disabled unless they are scanned by antivirus software immediately before being loaded. If this default configuration is modified, Office 2007 products will not require encrypted macros to be scanned before loading. They will be handled as specified by the Office 2007 System macro security settings, which can cause macro viruses to load undetected and lead to data loss or reduced application functionality. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18821r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security “Determine whether to force encrypted macros to be scanned in Microsoft Excel Open XML workbooks” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security Criteria: If the value ExcelBypassEncryptedMacroScan is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17413r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security “Determine whether to force encrypted macros to be scanned in Microsoft Excel Open XML workbooks” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Disable feature that would block older version of office products from saving files to open XML formats.
Medium - V-17503 - SV-18573r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO155 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17503
Rule IDs
  • SV-18573r1_rule
The Office Open XML format file types introduced in the 2007 Microsoft Office release offer a number of benefits compared with the previous binary file types supported in Office 2003, including the potential to reduce the effects of malicious code. Files can be identified as unable to run code, and will therefore ignore any embedded code. Also, any files that do have embedded code are easier to identify. For users who run older versions of these applications, Microsoft offers the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats, which enables them to open and save Open XML files. The Compatibility Pack can be used with the following Microsoft Office programs: • Word 2000 with Service Pack 3, Excel 2000 with Service Pack 3, and PowerPoint 2000 with Service Pack 3 • Word 2002 with Service Pack 3, Excel 2002 with Service Pack 3, and PowerPoint 2002 with Service Pack 3 • Word 2003 with at least Service Pack 1, Excel 2003 with at least Service Pack 1, and PowerPoint 2003 with at least Service Pack 1 • Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003 • Microsoft Office Excel Viewer 2003 • Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer 2003 If users cannot save files in Office Open XML format for some reason, they will be unable to take advantage of the security benefits of the new file types. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18830r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Save “Block saving of Open XML file types” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\FileSaveBlock Criteria: If the value OpenXmlFiles is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17428r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Save “Block saving of Open XML file types” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Block opening of "open XML" format files created by pre-release versions of Excel.
Medium - V-17518 - SV-18589r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO153 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17518
Rule IDs
  • SV-18589r1_rule
By default, users can open files that were saved in pre-release versions of the new Office Open XML format, which underwent some minor changes prior to the final release of Office 2007. Excel Open XML files usually have the following extensions: • .xlsb • .xlsx • .xlsm • .xltx • .xltm • .xlam If a vulnerability is discovered that affects these kinds of files, you can use this setting to protect your organization against attacks by temporarily preventing users from opening files in these formats until a security patch is available. By default, these file types are not blocked in Office 2007 products. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18833r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Open “Block opening of files created by pre-release versions of Excel 2007” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\FileOpenBlock Criteria: If the value Excel12BetaFiles is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17433r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Open “Block opening of files created by pre-release versions of Excel 2007” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
Block Opening of "Open XML" file types to prevent them automatically executing code.
Medium - V-17519 - SV-18595r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO154 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17519
Rule IDs
  • SV-18595r1_rule
The Office Open XML format file types introduced in the 2007 Microsoft Office release offer a number of benefits compared to the previous binary file types supported in Office 2003, including the potential to reduce the effects of malicious code. Files can be identified as unable to run code, and will therefore ignore any embedded code. Also, any files that do have embedded code are easier to identify. If a vulnerability is discovered that affects Office Open XML files, you can use this setting to protect your organization against attacks by temporarily preventing users from opening files in these formats until a security patch is available. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18838r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Open “Block opening of Open XML file types” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\FileOpenBlock Criteria: If the value OpenXmlFiles is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17438r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Block file formats -> Open “Block opening of Open XML file types” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Disable settings for content and add-ins that "Allow trusted locations not on computer" that might bypass more stringent security checks.
Medium - V-17520 - SV-18598r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO134 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17520
Rule IDs
  • SV-18598r1_rule
By default, files located in trusted locations and specified in the Trust Center are assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with minimal security and without prompting the user for permission. By default, users can specify trusted locations on network shares or in other remote locations that are not under their direct control by selecting the Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended) check box in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to typical security measures and could affect users' computers or data. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18840r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations not on the computer” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security\Trusted Locations Criteria: If the value AllowNetworkLocations is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17440r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations not on the computer” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Save files default format as backward compatible, not as XML.
Medium - V-17521 - SV-18606r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO139 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17521
Rule IDs
  • SV-18606r1_rule
By default, Excel 2007 saves new workbooks in the Office Open XML format with an .xlsx extension. For users who run Excel 2000 with Service Pack 3, Excel 2002 with Service Pack 3, and Excel 2003 with at least Service Pack 1, Microsoft offers the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack, which enables these versions of Excel to open and save .xlsx files. If some users in your organization cannot install the Compatibility Pack, or are running versions of Excel older than Excel 2000 with Service Pack 3, these users might not be able to access Excel files saved in the .xlsx format.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18847r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save "save excel files as" will be set to "Enabled (Excel 97-2003 Workbook(*.xls)" or "Enabled (Excel Workbook *.xlsx"). Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options Criteria: If the value DefaultFormat is REG_DWORD = 38 (hex) or 56 (Decimal) for Excel 97-2003 or If the value DefaultFormat is REG_DWORD = 33 (hex) or 51 (Decimal) for 2007 .xlsx , this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17447r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save "save excel files as" will be set to "Enabled (Excel 97-2003 Workbook(*.xls)" or "Enabled (Excel Workbook *.xlsx").

b
Disable Trust access for VBA into Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Medium - V-17522 - SV-18610r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO146 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17522
Rule IDs
  • SV-18610r1_rule
VSTO projects require access to the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, and Word 2007, even though the projects do not use Visual Basic for Applications. Design-time support of controls in both Visual Basic and C# projects depends on the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Word and Excel. By default, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint do not allow automation clients to have programmatic access to VBA projects. Users can enable this by selecting the Trust access to the VBA project object model in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. However, doing so allows macros in any documents the user opens to access the core Visual Basic objects, methods, and properties, which represents a potential security hazard. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18850r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security Criteria: If the value AccessVBOM is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17450r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Enable Warning Bar settings for VBA macros contained in Excel Files.
Medium - V-17545 - SV-18638r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO304 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17545
Rule IDs
  • SV-18638r1_rule
By default, when users open files in the specified applications that contain VBA macros, the applications open the files with the macros disabled and display the Trust Bar with a warning that macros are present and have been disabled. Users can inspect and edit the files if appropriate, but cannot use any disabled functionality until they enable it by clicking Options on the Trust Bar and selecting the appropriate action. If users enable dangerous macros, it could affect their computers or cause sensitive information to be compromised. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18855r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA macro warning settings” will be set to “Enabled (Trust Bar warning for all macros)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17466r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA macro warning settings” will be set to “Enabled (Trust Bar warning for all macros)”.

b
Force file extension to match file type created - Excel
Medium - V-17621 - SV-18762r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO143 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17621
Rule IDs
  • SV-18762r1_rule
Excel 2007 can load files with extensions that do not match the files' type. For example, if a comma-separated values (CSV) file named example.csv is renamed example.xls, Excel can properly load it as a CSV file. Some attacks target specific file formats. If Excel is allowed to load files with extensions that do not match their file types, a malicious person can deceive users into loading dangerous files that have incorrect extensions. By default, if users attempt to open files with the wrong extension, Excel opens the file and displays a warning that the file type is not what Excel expected. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18915r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security “Force file extension to match file type” will be set to “Enabled (Allow different, but warn)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Security Criteria: If the value ExtensionHardening is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17533r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security “Force file extension to match file type” will be set to “Enabled (Allow different, but warn)”.

b
Create configuration to prevent Internet links and Network UNCs from being created as embedded hyperlinks.
Medium - V-17650 - SV-18797r5_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO138 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17650
Rule IDs
  • SV-18797r5_rule
By default, when users type a string of characters that Excel 2007 recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default Web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18922r8_chk

Validate the policy value for User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 >> Excel Options >> Proofing >> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” is set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options Criteria: If the value AutoHyperlink exists, this is a finding.

Fix: F-17549r3_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Disable the automatic republish to web pages for Excel documents having that link.
Medium - V-17652 - SV-18800r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO140 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17652
Rule IDs
  • SV-18800r1_rule
If users choose to publish Excel data to a static Web page and enable the AutoRepublish feature, Excel 2007 saves a copy of the data to the Web page every time the user saves the workbook. If the page is on a Web server, anyone who has access to the page will be able to see the updated data after every save, which can lead to the undesired disclosure of sensitive or incorrect information. By default, a message dialog box displays every time the user saves a published workbook when AutoRepublish is enabled. From this dialog box, the user can disable AutoRepublish temporarily or permanently, or select Do not show this message again to prevent the dialog box from appearing after every save. If the user selects Do not show this message again, Excel will continue to automatically republish the data after every save without informing the user. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18923r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save “Disable AutoRepublish” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options Criteria: If the value DisableAutoRepublish is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17550r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save “Disable AutoRepublish” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
Ask user to update automatic links instead of automatically updating spreadsheet - Excel.
Medium - V-17732 - SV-18908r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO150 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17732
Rule IDs
  • SV-18908r1_rule
If an Excel 2007 workbook contains links to other documents and users are not prompted to approve them, the contents of the workbook might change without the users' knowledge because the linked files have changed. By default, users are prompted to update automatic links. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-18998r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced “Ask to update automatic links” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options\BinaryOptions Criteria: If the value fUpdateExt_78_1 is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17632r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced “Ask to update automatic links” will be set to “Enabled”.

b
AutoRepublish Warning Alert should be enabled - Excel
Medium - V-17744 - SV-18928r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO141 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17744
Rule IDs
  • SV-18928r1_rule
AutoRepublish is a feature in Excel 2007 that allows workbooks to be automatically republished to the World Wide Web each time the workbook is saved. A number of changes might need to be made to allow the workbook to be successfully published, including the following: • External references are converted to values. • Hidden formulas become visible. • The Set precision as displayed option, which appears beneath the When calculating this workbook heading in the Advanced section of the Excel Options dialog box, is no longer available. These types of changes can mean that the version on the Web page might not be the same as the Excel file. By default, a message dialog box appears every time the user saves a published workbook when AutoRepublish is enabled. From this dialog box, the user can disable AutoRepublish temporarily or permanently, or select Do not show this message again to prevent the dialog box from appearing after every save. If the user selects Do not show this message again, Excel will continue to automatically republish the data after every save without informing the user. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-19006r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save “AutoRepublish Warning Alert” will be set to “Enabled (Always show the alert before publishing)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options Criteria: If the value DisableAutoRepublishWarning is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17643r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Save “AutoRepublish Warning Alert” will be set to “Enabled (Always show the alert before publishing)”.

b
Do not Load pictures from web pates not created in Excel
Medium - V-17751 - SV-18941r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO152 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17751
Rule IDs
  • SV-18941r1_rule
By default, when users open Web pages in Excel 2007, Excel loads any graphics that are included in the pages, regardless of whether they were originally created in Excel. Allowing Excel to load graphics created in other programs can make Excel vulnerable to possible future zero-day attacks that use graphic files as an attack vector. If such an event occurs, this setting can be used to mitigate the vulnerability.System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-19013r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Load pictures from Web pages not created in Excel” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Internet Criteria: If the value DoNotLoadPictures is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17650r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Load pictures from Web pages not created in Excel” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Do not save additional data needed to maintain formulas - Excel.
Medium - V-17796 - SV-19021r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO151 -Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17796
Rule IDs
  • SV-19021r1_rule
Microsoft Office Web Components (OWC) is a collection of Component Object Model (COM) controls used by earlier versions of Microsoft Office for publishing spreadsheets, charts, and databases to the Web, and for viewing the published components on the Web. OWC was removed from the 2007 Office release in favor of improvements to the Web features of Office desktop applications and of Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations that currently support publishing data to the Web via OWC and are not ready to migrate to newer publishing methods can download OWC from Microsoft and continue to use it with 2007 Microsoft Office applications. By default, when users save workbooks as Web pages that use OWC, Excel maintains externally referenced data of formulas that are not in the selected range to be published, which increases the size of the files and in some cases increases the risk of exposing sensitive information. The user can change this functionality by clearing the Save any additional hidden data necessary to maintain formulas check box on the General tab in the Web Options dialog box (available from the Advanced section of the Excel Options dialog box). If the check box is cleared, Excel 2007 replaces the formulas with calculated values, which reduces the size of the file. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-19048r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Save any additional data necessary to maintain formulas” will be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Internet Criteria: If the value DoNotSaveHiddenData is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17696r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Save any additional data necessary to maintain formulas” will be set to “Disabled”.

b
Store macro in Personal macro Workbook by default - Excel.
Medium - V-17804 - SV-19034r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO145 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17804
Rule IDs
  • SV-19034r1_rule
The Record Macro dialog box includes a drop-down menu that allows users to choose whether to store the new macro in the current workbook, a new workbook, or their personal macro workbook (Personal.xlsb), a hidden workbook that opens every time Excel 2007 starts. By default, Excel displays the Record Macro dialog box with This Workbook already selected in the drop-down menu. If a user saves a macro in the active workbook and then distributes the workbook to others, the macro is distributed along with the workbook, which could put workbook data at risk if the macro is triggered accidentally or intentionally. System AdministratorInformation Assurance Officer
Checks: C-19060r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Store macro in Personal Macro Workbook by default” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options\BinaryOptions Criteria: If the value fGlobalSheet_37_1 is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-17705r1_fix

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office Excel 2007 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Store macro in Personal Macro Workbook by default” will be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Excel\Options\BinaryOptions Criteria: If the value fGlobalSheet_37_1 is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

c
An unsupported Microsoft Office version must not be installed.
High - V-25884 - SV-32370r3_rule
RMF Control
Severity
H
CCI
Version
DTOO287
Vuln IDs
  • V-25884
Rule IDs
  • SV-32370r3_rule
Failure to install the most current Office version leaves a system vulnerable to exploitation. Current service packs correct known security and system vulnerabilities. If Microsoft Office installation is not at the most current version and service pack level, this is a Category 1 finding since new vulnerabilities will not be patched. Office 2007 is End of Life. System Administrator
Checks: C-32765r4_chk

To determine what service pack level is installed, start the Office application. Click on the Office Menu Button (upper left), click "Options" at the bottom of the menu, and select "Resources" from the left column. The version number will be displayed alongside the "About" button on the right-hand side display. If the "About" box information displays an Office 2007 version, this is a finding.

Fix: F-28840r3_fix

Upgrade to Office 2010, Office 2013, or Office 2016.