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Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

V1R1 · · · Released 14 Nov 2016 · 37 rules
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The Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 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: disa.stig_spt@mail.mil.
Supporting documents DISA companion ZIP · 0.4 MB 2 PDFs

Bundled by DISA alongside this STIG release: overview, revision history, and readme files. Download the full archive or open an individual PDF.

Download full ZIP U_Microsoft_PowerPoint_2016_V1R1_STIG.zip
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b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70641 - SV-85263r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104
Vuln IDs
  • V-70641
Rule IDs
  • SV-85263r1_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 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a website). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous Web pages, which could pose a security risk.
Checks: C-71027r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.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 powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76873r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70643 - SV-85265r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO110
Vuln IDs
  • V-70643
Rule IDs
  • SV-85265r1_rule
This policy setting allows you to determine if users can open, view, or edit Word files. If you enable this policy setting, you can set one of these options:- Blocked files are not opened- Blocked files open in Protected View and can not be edited- Blocked files open in Protected View and can be edited. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the behavior is the same as the "Blocked files are not opened" setting. Users will not be able to open blocked files.
Checks: C-71029r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Set default file block behavior" is set to "Enabled: Blocked files are not opened". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76875r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings "Set default file block behavior" to "Enabled: Blocked files are not opened".

b
The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70645 - SV-85267r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111
Vuln IDs
  • V-70645
Rule IDs
  • SV-85267r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71031r4_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' 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 powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76877r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
The Saved from URL mark must be selected to enforce Internet zone processing in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70647 - SV-85269r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117
Vuln IDs
  • V-70647
Rule IDs
  • SV-85269r1_rule
Typically, when Internet Explorer loads a web page from a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) share that contains a Mark of the Web (MOTW) comment, indicating 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 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.
Checks: C-71033r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' 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 powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76879r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70649 - SV-85271r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO119
Vuln IDs
  • V-70649
Rule IDs
  • SV-85271r1_rule
This policy setting allows you to turn off the file validation feature. If you enable this policy setting, file validation will be turned off. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, file validation will be turned on. Office Binary Documents (97-2003) are checked to see if they conform against the file format schema before they are opened.
Checks: C-71035r3_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value EnableOnLoad is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76881r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Turn off file validation" to "Disabled".

b
Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70651 - SV-85273r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO121
Vuln IDs
  • V-70651
Rule IDs
  • SV-85273r1_rule
This policy setting allows you to determine if files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View. If you enable this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone do not open in Protected View. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View.
Checks: C-71037r3_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View" is set to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableInternetFilesInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-76883r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70653 - SV-85275r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126
Vuln IDs
  • V-70653
Rule IDs
  • SV-85275r1_rule
Internet Explorer add-ons are pieces of code, run in Internet Explorer, to provide additional functionality. Rogue add-ons may contain viruses or other malicious code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network. For example, a malicious user can monitor and then use keystrokes users type into Internet Explorer. Even legitimate add-ons may demand resources, compromising the performance of Internet Explorer, and the operating systems for user computers.
Checks: C-71043r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ADDON_MANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76889r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Add-ins to Office applications must be signed by a Trusted Publisher.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-70655 - SV-85277r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127
Vuln IDs
  • V-70655
Rule IDs
  • SV-85277r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether add-ins for this applications must be digitally signed by a trusted publisher. If you enable this policy setting, this application checks the digital signature for each add-in before loading it. If an add-in does not have a digital signature, or if the signature did not come from a trusted publisher, this application disables the add-in and notifies the user. Certificates must be added to the Trusted Publishers list if you require that all add-ins be signed by a trusted publisher. For detail on about obtaining and distributing certificates, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=294922. Office 2016 stores certificates for trusted publishers in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. Earlier versions of Microsoft Office stored trusted publisher certificate information (specifically, the certificate thumbprint) in a special Office trusted publisher store. Office 2016 still reads trusted publisher certificate information from the Office trusted publisher store, but it does not write information to this store. Therefore, if you created a list of trusted publishers in a previous version of Office and you upgrade to Office 2016, your trusted publisher list will still be recognized. However, any trusted publisher certificates that you add to the list will be stored in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. For more information about trusted publishers, see the Office Resource Kit. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, this application does not check the digital signature on application add-ins before opening them. If a dangerous add-in is loaded, it could harm users' computers or compromise data security.
Checks: C-71045r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security Criteria: If the value RequireAddinSig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76891r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" to "Enabled".

b
Links that invoke instances of Internet Explorer from within an Office product must be blocked in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70657 - SV-85279r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129
Vuln IDs
  • V-70657
Rule IDs
  • SV-85279r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71047r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' 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 powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76893r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
CM-5 - Medium - CCI-001749 - V-70659 - SV-85281r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131
Vuln IDs
  • V-70659
Rule IDs
  • SV-85281r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether the specified Office application notifies users when unsigned application add-ins are loaded or silently disable such add-ins without notification. This policy setting only applies if you enable the "Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher" policy setting, which prevents users from changing this policy setting. If you enable this policy setting, applications automatically disable unsigned add-ins without informing users. If you disable this policy setting, if this 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. If you do not configure this policy setting, the disable behavior applies, and in addition, users can configure this requirement themselves in the "Add-ins" category of the Trust Center for the application.
Checks: C-71049r3_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\software\policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\powerpoint\security Criteria: If the value notbpromptunsignedaddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76895r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them" to "Enabled".

b
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-70661 - SV-85283r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132
Vuln IDs
  • V-70661
Rule IDs
  • SV-85283r1_rule
Disabling this setting allows websites to present file download prompts via code without the user specifically initiating the download. User preferences may also allow the download to occur without prompting or interaction with the user. Even if Internet Explorer prompts the user to accept the download, some websites abuse this functionality. Malicious websites may continually prompt users to download a file or present confusing dialog boxes to trick users into downloading or running a file. If the download occurs and it contains malicious code, the code could become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71051r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_FILEDOWNLOAD Criteria: If the value of powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76897r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
All automatic loading from trusted locations must be disabled.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70663 - SV-85285r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO133
Vuln IDs
  • V-70663
Rule IDs
  • SV-85285r1_rule
This policy setting allows administrators to disable all trusted locations in the specified applications. 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. If you enable this policy setting, all trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) in the specified applications are ignored, including any trusted locations established by Office 2016 during setup, deployed to users using Group Policy, or added by users themselves. Users will be prompted again when opening files from trusted locations. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, all trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) in the specified applications are assumed to be safe.
Checks: C-71061r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Disable all trusted locations" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllLocationsDisabled is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76907r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Disable all trusted locations" to "Enabled".

b
Disallowance of trusted locations on the network must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70665 - SV-85287r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO134
Vuln IDs
  • V-70665
Rule IDs
  • SV-85287r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether trusted locations on the network can be used. If you enable this policy setting, users can specify trusted locations on network shares or in other remote locations that are not under their direct control by clicking the "Add new location" button in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with minimal security and without prompting the user for permission. If you disable this policy setting, the selected application ignores any network locations listed in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. If you also deploy Trusted Locations via Group Policy, you should verify whether any of them are remote locations. If any of them are remote locations and you do not allow remote locations via this policy setting, those policy keys that point to remote locations will be ignored on client computers. Disabling this policy setting does not delete any network locations from the Trusted Locations list, but causes disruption for users who add network locations to the Trusted Locations list. Users are also prevented from adding new network locations to the Trusted Locations list in the Trust Center. We recommended that you do not enable this policy setting (as the "Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended)" check box also states). Therefore, in practice, it should be possible to disable this policy setting in most situations without causing significant usability issues for most users. If you do not enable this policy setting, users can select the "Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended)" check box if desired and then specify trusted locations by clicking the "Add new location" button.
Checks: C-71065r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Allow Trusted Locations on the network" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllowNetworkLocations is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76909r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations "Allow Trusted Locations on the network" to "Disabled".

b
The Save commands default file format must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-70667 - SV-85289r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO139
Vuln IDs
  • V-70667
Rule IDs
  • SV-85289r1_rule
This policy setting governs the default format for new presentation files that users create. If you enable this policy setting, when a user creates a new blank presentation, it is in the specified default format. Users may still override the default and specify a specific format when they create a presentation. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, PowerPoint Presentation is the default option.
Checks: C-71067r3_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Save "default file format" is set to "Enabled: PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\options Criteria: If the value DefaultFormat is REG_DWORD = 1b (hex) or 27 (decimal), this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76911r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Save "default file format" to "Enabled: PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)".

b
The scanning of encrypted macros in open XML documents must be enforced.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70669 - SV-85291r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO142
Vuln IDs
  • V-70669
Rule IDs
  • SV-85291r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether encrypted macros in Open XML presentations are required to be scanned with anti-virus software before being opened. If you enable this policy setting, you may choose one of these options:- Scan encrypted macros: encrypted macros are disabled unless anti-virus software is installed. Encrypted macros are scanned by your anti-virus software when you attempt to open an encrypted presentation that contains macros.- Scan if anti-virus software available: if anti-virus software is installed, scan the encrypted macros first before allowing them to load. If anti-virus software is not available, allow encrypted macros to load.- Load macros without scanning: do not check for anti-virus software and allow macros to be loaded in an encrypted file. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the behavior will be similar to the "Scan encrypted macros" option.
Checks: C-71069r4_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Scan encrypted macros in PowerPoint Open XML presentations" is set to "Disabled". The option 'Enabled: Scan encrypted macros (default)' is also an acceptable value. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security Criteria: If the value PowerPointBypassEncryptedMacroScan does not exist, this not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76913r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Scan encrypted macros in PowerPoint Open XML presentations" to "Disabled".

b
Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-70671 - SV-85293r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO146
Vuln IDs
  • V-70671
Rule IDs
  • SV-85293r1_rule
This policy setting controls whether automation clients such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Microsoft Office (VSTO) can access the Visual Basic for Applications project system in the specified applications. VSTO projects require access to the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, 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. If you enable this policy setting, VSTO and other automation clients can access the Visual Basic for Applications project system in the specified applications. Users will not be able to change this behavior through the "Trust access to the VBA project object model" user interface option under the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. If you disable this policy setting, VSTO does not have programmatic access to VBA projects. In addition, the "Trust access to the VBA project object model" check box is cleared and users cannot change it. Note: Disabling this policy setting prevents VSTO projects from interacting properly with the VBA project system in the selected application. If you do not configure this policy setting, automation clients do not 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.
Checks: C-71071r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Trust access to Visual Basic Project" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security Criteria: If the value AccessVBOM is REG_DWORD=0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76915r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Trust access to Visual Basic Project" to "Disabled".

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70673 - SV-85295r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209
Vuln IDs
  • V-70673
Rule IDs
  • SV-85295r1_rule
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page users can use the browser to open. Web pages on a user's local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine zone, making this security zone a prime target for malicious users and code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow pages in the Internet zone to navigate to pages in the Local Machine zone to then run code to elevate privileges. This could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71073r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ZONE_ELEVATION Criteria: If the value powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76917r3_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-70675 - SV-85297r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211
Vuln IDs
  • V-70675
Rule IDs
  • SV-85297r1_rule
Microsoft ActiveX controls allow unmanaged, unprotected code to run on the user computers. ActiveX controls do not run within a protected container in the browser like the other types of HTML or Microsoft Silverlight-based controls. Disabling or not configuring this setting does not block prompts for ActiveX control installations, and these prompts display to users. This could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71075r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_ACTIVEXINSTALL Criteria: If the value powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76919r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
The ability to run programs from a PowerPoint presentation must be disallowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70677 - SV-85301r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO289
Vuln IDs
  • V-70677
Rule IDs
  • SV-85301r1_rule
This policy setting controls the prompting and activation behavior for the "Run Programs" option for action buttons in PowerPoint. If you enable this policy setting, you can choose from three options to control how the "Run Programs" option functions:- Disable (don't run any programs). If users click an action button with the "Run Programs" action assigned to it, nothing will happen. This option enforces the default configuration in PowerPoint.- Enable (prompt user before running). If users click an action button with the "Run Programs" action assigned to it, PowerPoint will prompt them to continue before running the program.- Enable all (run without prompting). If users click an action button with the "Run Programs" action assigned to it. PowerPoint will run the program automatically, without prompting. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, if users click an action with the "Run Programs" action assigned to it, nothing will happen. This behavior is the same as Enabled -- Disable (don't run any programs).
Checks: C-71157r4_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Run Programs" is set to "Disabled". The option 'Enabled: disable (don't run any programs)' is also an acceptable value. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security Criteria: If the value RunPrograms does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-76999r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security "Run Programs" to "Disabled".

b
Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70679 - SV-85303r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO293
Vuln IDs
  • V-70679
Rule IDs
  • SV-85303r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether PowerPoint files in Outlook attachments open in Protected View. If enabling this policy setting, Outlook attachments do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, Outlook attachments open in Protected View.
Checks: C-71159r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook" is set to "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableAttachmentsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77001r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook" to "Disabled".

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
CM-7 - Medium - CCI-000381 - V-70681 - SV-85305r1_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304
Vuln IDs
  • V-70681
Rule IDs
  • SV-85305r1_rule
This policy setting controls how the specified applications warn users when Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros are present. If you enable this policy setting, you can choose from four options for determining how the specified applications will warn the user about macros: - Disable all with notification: The application displays the Trust Bar for all macros, whether signed or unsigned. This option enforces the default configuration in Office. - Disable all except digitally signed macros: The application displays the Trust Bar for digitally signed macros, allowing users to enable them or leave them disabled. Any unsigned macros are disabled, and users are not notified. - Disable all without notification: The application disables all macros, whether signed or unsigned, and does not notify users. - Enable all macros (not recommended): All macros are enabled, whether signed or unsigned. This option can significantly reduce security by allowing dangerous code to run undetected. If you disable this policy setting, "Disable all with notification" will be the default setting. If you do not configure this policy setting, 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 "Enable Content" on the Trust Bar. If the user clicks "Enable Content", then the document is added as a trusted document. Important: If "Disable all except digitally signed macros" is selected, users will not be able to open unsigned Access databases. Also, note that Microsoft Office stores certificates for trusted publishers in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store. Earlier versions of Microsoft Office stored trusted publisher certificate information (specifically, the certificate thumbprint) in a special Office trusted publisher store. Microsoft Office still reads trusted publisher certificate information from the Office trusted publisher store, but it does not write information to this store. Therefore, if you created a list of trusted publishers in a previous version of Microsoft Office and you upgrade to Office, your trusted publisher list will still be recognized. However, any trusted publisher certificates that you add to the list will be stored in the Internet Explorer trusted publisher store.
Checks: C-71161r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" is set to "Enabled: Disable all with notification". The options 'Enabled: Disable all except digitally signed macros' and 'Enabled: Disable all without notification' are more restrictive and also acceptable values. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\powerpoint\security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding. Values of REG_DWORD = 3 or 4 are also acceptable values. If the registry key does not exist or the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-77003r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "VBA Macro Notification Settings" to "Enabled (Disable all with notification)".

b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70683 - SV-85307r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO501
Vuln IDs
  • V-70683
Rule IDs
  • SV-85307r1_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 Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a website). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous Web pages, which could pose a security risk.
Checks: C-71163r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.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 pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77005r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Disable user name and password" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
The Internet Explorer Bind to Object functionality must be enabled in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70685 - SV-85309r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO502
Vuln IDs
  • V-70685
Rule IDs
  • SV-85309r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71165r5_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' 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 pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77007r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Bind to Object" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
The Saved from URL mark must be selected to enforce Internet zone processing in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70687 - SV-85311r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO503
Vuln IDs
  • V-70687
Rule IDs
  • SV-85311r1_rule
Typically, when Internet Explorer loads a web page from a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) share that contains a Mark of the Web (MOTW) comment, indicating 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 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.
Checks: C-71167r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' 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 pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77009r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Saved from URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70689 - SV-85313r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO504
Vuln IDs
  • V-70689
Rule IDs
  • SV-85313r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71169r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' 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 pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77011r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70691 - SV-85315r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO505
Vuln IDs
  • V-70691
Rule IDs
  • SV-85315r1_rule
Malicious websites often try to confuse or trick users into giving a site permission to perform an action allowing the site to take control of the users' computers in some manner. Disabling or not configuring this setting allows unknown websites to: -Create browser windows appearing to be from the local operating system. -Draw active windows displaying outside of the viewable areas of the screen capturing keyboard input. -Overlay parent windows with their own browser windows to hide important system information, choices or prompts.
Checks: C-71171r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WINDOW_RESTRICTIONS Criteria: If the value pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77013r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" to "Enabled" and place a check in he 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70693 - SV-85317r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO506
Vuln IDs
  • V-70693
Rule IDs
  • SV-85317r1_rule
Internet Explorer add-ons are pieces of code, run in Internet Explorer, to provide additional functionality. Rogue add-ons may contain viruses or other malicious code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network. For example, a malicious user can monitor and then use keystrokes users type into Internet Explorer. Even legitimate add-ons may demand resources, compromising the performance of Internet Explorer, and the operating systems for user computers.
Checks: C-71173r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ADDON_MANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77015r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Add-on Management" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Links that invoke instances of Internet Explorer from within an Office product must be blocked in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-70695 - SV-85319r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO507
Vuln IDs
  • V-70695
Rule IDs
  • SV-85319r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71177r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' 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 pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77019r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Block popups" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-70697 - SV-85321r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO509
Vuln IDs
  • V-70697
Rule IDs
  • SV-85321r1_rule
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page users can use the browser to open. Web pages on a user's local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine zone, making this security zone a prime target for malicious users and code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow pages in the Internet zone to navigate to pages in the Local Machine zone to then run code to elevate privileges. This could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71179r2_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ZONE_ELEVATION Criteria: If the value pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77021r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Protection From Zone Elevation" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-002460 - V-70699 - SV-85323r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO510
Vuln IDs
  • V-70699
Rule IDs
  • SV-85323r1_rule
Microsoft ActiveX controls allow unmanaged, unprotected code to run on the user computers. ActiveX controls do not run within a protected container in the browser like the other types of HTML or Microsoft Silverlight-based controls. Disabling or not configuring this setting does not block prompts for ActiveX control installations, and these prompts display to users. This could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71181r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_ACTIVEXINSTALL Criteria: If the value pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77023r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict ActiveX Install" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.

b
Macros must be blocked from running in Office files from the Internet.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-70701 - SV-85325r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO600
Vuln IDs
  • V-70701
Rule IDs
  • SV-85325r1_rule
This policy setting allows you to block macros from running in Office files that come from the Internet. If you enable this policy setting, macros are blocked from running, even if 'Enable all macro's is selected in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. Also, instead of having the choice to 'Enable Content', users will receive a notification that macros are blocked from running. If the Office file is saved to a trusted location or was previously trusted by the user, macros will be allowed to run. If you disable or don't configure this policy setting, the settings configured in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center determine whether macros run in Office files that come from the Internet.
Checks: C-71183r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\powerpoint\security Criteria: If the value blockcontentexecutionfrominternet is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77025r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center "Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet" to "Enabled".

b
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-71401 - SV-86025r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123
Vuln IDs
  • V-71401
Rule IDs
  • SV-86025r1_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 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.
Checks: C-71801r3_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' 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 powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77719r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Navigate URL" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-71403 - SV-86027r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124
Vuln IDs
  • V-71403
Rule IDs
  • SV-86027r1_rule
Malicious websites often try to confuse or trick users into giving a site permission to perform an action allowing the site to take control of the users' computers in some manner. Disabling or not configuring this setting allows unknown websites to: -Create browser windows appearing to be from the local operating system. -Draw active windows displaying outside of the viewable areas of the screen capturing keyboard input. -Overlay parent windows with their own browser windows to hide important system information, choices or prompts.
Checks: C-71803r1_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" is set to "Enabled" and 'powerpnt.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WINDOW_RESTRICTIONS Criteria: If the value powerpnt.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77721r2_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Scripted Window Security Restrictions" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'powerpnt.exe' check box.

b
Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-71405 - SV-86029r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO288
Vuln IDs
  • V-71405
Rule IDs
  • SV-86029r1_rule
This policy setting determines whether files located in unsafe locations will open in Protected View. If unsafe locations have not been specified, only the "Downloaded Program Files" and "Temporary Internet Files" folders are considered unsafe locations. If enabling this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations open in Protected View.
Checks: C-71805r2_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" is set to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableUnsafeLocationsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, then this is a finding.

Fix: F-77723r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View" to "Not Configured" or "Disabled".

b
Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-71407 - SV-86031r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO292
Vuln IDs
  • V-71407
Rule IDs
  • SV-86031r1_rule
This policy setting controls how Office handles documents when they fail file validation. If you enable this policy setting, you can configure the following options for files that fail file validation:- Block files completely. Users cannot open the files.- Open files in Protected View and disallow edit. Users cannot edit the files. This is also how Office handles the files if you disable this policy setting.- Open files in Protected View and allow edit. Users can edit the files. This is also how Office handles the files if you do not configure this policy setting.If you disable this policy setting, Office follows the "Open files in Protected View and disallow edit" behavior. If you do not configure this policy setting, Office follows the "Open files in Protected View and allow edit" behavior.
Checks: C-71807r6_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Set document behavior if file validation fails" is set to "Disabled". The option 'Enabled: Open in Protected View' and Unchecked for 'Do not allow edit' is also an acceptable value. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value openinprotectedview does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. If the value DisableEditFromPV is set to REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. If the value is set to REG_DWORD = 0, this is a finding.

Fix: F-77725r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Set document behavior if file validation fails" to "Disabled".

b
Files on local Intranet UNC must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-71641 - SV-86265r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO605
Vuln IDs
  • V-71641
Rule IDs
  • SV-86265r1_rule
This policy setting lets you determine if files on local Intranet UNC file shares open in Protected View. If you enable this policy setting, files on local Intranet UNC file shares open in Protected View if their UNC paths appear to be within the Internet zone. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, files on Intranet UNC file shares do not open in Protected View if their UNC paths appear to be within the Internet zone.
Checks: C-71971r1_chk

Verify the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Open files on local Intranet UNC in Protected View" is set to "Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableIntranetCheck is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77967r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 -> PowerPoint Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View "Open files on local Intranet UNC in Protected View" is set to "Enabled".

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File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-71647 - SV-86271r1_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
M
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO508
Vuln IDs
  • V-71647
Rule IDs
  • SV-86271r1_rule
Disabling this setting allows websites to present file download prompts via code without the user specifically initiating the download. User preferences may also allow the download to occur without prompting or interaction with the user. Even if Internet Explorer prompts the user to accept the download, some websites abuse this functionality. Malicious websites may continually prompt users to download a file or present confusing dialog boxes to trick users into downloading or running a file. If the download occurs and it contains malicious code, the code could become active on user computers or the network.
Checks: C-71977r1_chk

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" is set to "Enabled" and 'pptview.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_FILEDOWNLOAD Criteria: If the value of pptview.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-77973r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2016 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security "Restrict File Download" to "Enabled" and place a check in the 'pptview.exe' check box.