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Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide - V2R1

  • Version/Release: V2R1
  • Published: 2025-11-25
  • Released: 2026-01-05
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This Security Technical Implementation Guide is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DOD) information systems. The requirements are derived from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 and related documents. Comments or proposed revisions to this document should be sent via email to the following address: disa.stig_spt@mail.mil.
b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238054 - SV-238054r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO104
Vuln IDs
  • V-238054
  • V-70641
Rule IDs
  • SV-238054r961092_rule
  • SV-85263
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-41264r651093_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-41223r651094_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-238055 - SV-238055r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO110
Vuln IDs
  • V-238055
  • V-70643
Rule IDs
  • SV-238055r961086_rule
  • SV-85265
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-41265r651096_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-41224r651097_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-238056 - SV-238056r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO111
Vuln IDs
  • V-238056
  • V-70645
Rule IDs
  • SV-238056r960921_rule
  • SV-85267
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-41266r651099_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-41225r651100_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-238057 - SV-238057r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO117
Vuln IDs
  • V-238057
  • V-70647
Rule IDs
  • SV-238057r961092_rule
  • SV-85269
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-41267r651102_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-41226r651103_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-238058 - SV-238058r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO119
Vuln IDs
  • V-238058
  • V-70649
Rule IDs
  • SV-238058r960921_rule
  • SV-85271
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-41268r651105_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-41227r651106_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-238059 - SV-238059r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO121
Vuln IDs
  • V-238059
  • V-70651
Rule IDs
  • SV-238059r961086_rule
  • SV-85273
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-41269r651108_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-41228r651109_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
Navigation to URLs embedded in Office products must be blocked in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238060 - SV-238060r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO123
Vuln IDs
  • V-238060
  • V-71401
Rule IDs
  • SV-238060r961092_rule
  • SV-86025
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-41270r651111_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-41229r651112_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-238061 - SV-238061r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO124
Vuln IDs
  • V-238061
  • V-71403
Rule IDs
  • SV-238061r960921_rule
  • SV-86027
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-41271r651114_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-41230r651115_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
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed in PowerPoint.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001662 - V-238062 - SV-238062r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO126
Vuln IDs
  • V-238062
  • V-70653
Rule IDs
  • SV-238062r961086_rule
  • SV-85275
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-41272r651117_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-41231r651118_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-238063 - SV-238063r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO127
Vuln IDs
  • V-238063
  • V-70655
Rule IDs
  • SV-238063r960954_rule
  • SV-85277
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-41273r651120_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-41232r651121_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-238064 - SV-238064r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO129
Vuln IDs
  • V-238064
  • V-70657
Rule IDs
  • SV-238064r961086_rule
  • SV-85279
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-41274r651123_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-41233r651124_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-238065 - SV-238065r960954_rule
RMF Control
CM-5
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001749
Version
DTOO131
Vuln IDs
  • V-238065
  • V-70659
Rule IDs
  • SV-238065r960954_rule
  • SV-85281
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-41275r651126_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-41234r651127_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-238066 - SV-238066r961089_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO132
Vuln IDs
  • V-238066
  • V-70661
Rule IDs
  • SV-238066r961089_rule
  • SV-85283
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-41276r651129_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-41235r651130_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-238067 - SV-238067r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO133
Vuln IDs
  • V-238067
  • V-70663
Rule IDs
  • SV-238067r961092_rule
  • SV-85285
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-41277r651132_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-41236r651133_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-238068 - SV-238068r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO134
Vuln IDs
  • V-238068
  • V-70665
Rule IDs
  • SV-238068r961092_rule
  • SV-85287
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-41278r651135_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-41237r651136_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-238069 - SV-238069r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO139
Vuln IDs
  • V-238069
  • V-70667
Rule IDs
  • SV-238069r960963_rule
  • SV-85289
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-41279r651138_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-41238r651139_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-238070 - SV-238070r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO142
Vuln IDs
  • V-238070
  • V-70669
Rule IDs
  • SV-238070r961092_rule
  • SV-85291
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-41280r651141_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-41239r651142_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-238071 - SV-238071r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO146
Vuln IDs
  • V-238071
  • V-70671
Rule IDs
  • SV-238071r960963_rule
  • SV-85293
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-41281r651144_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-41240r651145_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-238072 - SV-238072r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO209
Vuln IDs
  • V-238072
  • V-70673
Rule IDs
  • SV-238072r960921_rule
  • SV-85295
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-41282r651147_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-41241r651148_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-238073 - SV-238073r961779_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO211
Vuln IDs
  • V-238073
  • V-70675
Rule IDs
  • SV-238073r961779_rule
  • SV-85297
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-41283r651150_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-41242r651151_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
Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238074 - SV-238074r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO288
Vuln IDs
  • V-238074
  • V-71405
Rule IDs
  • SV-238074r961092_rule
  • SV-86029
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-41284r651153_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-41243r651154_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
The ability to run programs from a PowerPoint presentation must be disallowed.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238075 - SV-238075r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO289
Vuln IDs
  • V-238075
  • V-70677
Rule IDs
  • SV-238075r961092_rule
  • SV-85301
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-41285r651156_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-41244r651157_fix

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

b
Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238076 - SV-238076r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO292
Vuln IDs
  • V-238076
  • V-71407
Rule IDs
  • SV-238076r961092_rule
  • SV-86031
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-41286r651159_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-41245r651160_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
Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238077 - SV-238077r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO293
Vuln IDs
  • V-238077
  • V-70679
Rule IDs
  • SV-238077r961092_rule
  • SV-85303
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-41287r651162_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-41246r651163_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-238078 - SV-238078r960963_rule
RMF Control
CM-7
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-000381
Version
DTOO304
Vuln IDs
  • V-238078
  • V-70681
Rule IDs
  • SV-238078r960963_rule
  • SV-85305
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-41288r651165_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-41247r651166_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-238079 - SV-238079r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO501
Vuln IDs
  • V-238079
  • V-70683
Rule IDs
  • SV-238079r961092_rule
  • SV-85307
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-41289r651168_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-41248r651169_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-238080 - SV-238080r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO502
Vuln IDs
  • V-238080
  • V-70685
Rule IDs
  • SV-238080r960921_rule
  • SV-85309
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-41290r651171_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-41249r651172_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-238081 - SV-238081r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO503
Vuln IDs
  • V-238081
  • V-70687
Rule IDs
  • SV-238081r961092_rule
  • SV-85311
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-41291r651174_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-41250r651175_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-238082 - SV-238082r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO504
Vuln IDs
  • V-238082
  • V-70689
Rule IDs
  • SV-238082r961092_rule
  • SV-85313
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-41292r651177_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-41251r651178_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-238083 - SV-238083r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO505
Vuln IDs
  • V-238083
  • V-70691
Rule IDs
  • SV-238083r960921_rule
  • SV-85315
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-41293r651180_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-41252r651181_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-238084 - SV-238084r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO506
Vuln IDs
  • V-238084
  • V-70693
Rule IDs
  • SV-238084r961086_rule
  • SV-85317
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-41294r651183_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-41253r651184_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-238085 - SV-238085r961086_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001662
Version
DTOO507
Vuln IDs
  • V-238085
  • V-70695
Rule IDs
  • SV-238085r961086_rule
  • SV-85319
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-41295r651186_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-41254r651187_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
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001169 - V-238086 - SV-238086r961089_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001169
Version
DTOO508
Vuln IDs
  • V-238086
  • V-71647
Rule IDs
  • SV-238086r961089_rule
  • SV-86271
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-41296r651189_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-41255r651190_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.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced in PowerPoint Viewer.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001695 - V-238087 - SV-238087r960921_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001695
Version
DTOO509
Vuln IDs
  • V-238087
  • V-70697
Rule IDs
  • SV-238087r960921_rule
  • SV-85321
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-41297r651192_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-41256r651193_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-238088 - SV-238088r961779_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-002460
Version
DTOO510
Vuln IDs
  • V-238088
  • V-70699
Rule IDs
  • SV-238088r961779_rule
  • SV-85323
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-41298r651195_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-41257r651196_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-238089 - SV-238089r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO600
Vuln IDs
  • V-238089
  • V-70701
Rule IDs
  • SV-238089r961092_rule
  • SV-85325
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-41299r651198_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-41258r651199_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
Files on local Intranet UNC must be opened in Protected View.
SC-18 - Medium - CCI-001170 - V-238090 - SV-238090r961092_rule
RMF Control
SC-18
Severity
Medium
CCI
CCI-001170
Version
DTOO605
Vuln IDs
  • V-238090
  • V-71641
Rule IDs
  • SV-238090r961092_rule
  • SV-86265
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-41300r651201_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-41259r651202_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".

c
The version of PowerPoint running on the system must be a supported version.
SI-2 - High - CCI-002605 - V-279946 - SV-279946r1156587_rule
RMF Control
SI-2
Severity
High
CCI
CCI-002605
Version
DTO-PP999
Vuln IDs
  • V-279946
Rule IDs
  • SV-279946r1156587_rule
Security flaws with software applications are discovered daily. Vendors are constantly updating and patching their products to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Organizations (including any contractor to the organization) are required to promptly install security-relevant software updates (e.g., patches, service packs, and hot fixes). Flaws discovered during security assessments, continuous monitoring, incident response activities, or information system error handling must also be addressed expeditiously. Organization-defined time periods for updating security-relevant software may vary based on a variety of factors including, for example, the security category of the information system or the criticality of the update (i.e., severity of the vulnerability related to the discovered flaw). This requirement will apply to software patch management solutions that are used to install patches across the enclave and also to applications themselves that are not part of that patch management solution. For example, many browsers today provide the capability to install their own patch software. Patch criticality, as well as system criticality will vary. Therefore, the tactical situations regarding the patch management process will also vary. This means that the time period used must be a configurable parameter. Time frames for application of security-relevant software updates may be dependent upon the Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) process. The application will be configured to check for and install security-relevant software updates within an identified time period from the availability of the update. The specific time period will be defined by an authoritative source (e.g., IAVM, CTOs, DTMs, and STIGs).
Checks: C-84507r1156585_chk

PowerPoint 2016 is no longer supported by the vendor. If the system is running PowerPoint 2016, this is a finding.

Fix: F-84412r1156586_fix

Upgrade to a supported version.